Considering the Four Heavenly Kings. That’s where our story at Shitennoji begins. Prince Shotoku founded this temple in 593. It was to honor these Buddhist kings. Shitennoji is often called Japan’s oldest temple. But fires and wars led to constant destruction and rebuilding.
Shitennoji aimed to elevate Japan. Prince Shotoku built it to spread Buddhism. The temple had four key institutions. These focused on religion education welfare and medicine. They were designed to help people. Three existed during the Kamakura period.
The temple’s design includes a seven-building garan. This complex is within the walls. The garan includes a five-story pagoda and a main Golden Pavilion. The Golden Pavilion holds a Kannon Bodhisattva image. There is also a Lecture Hall.
Wooden statues guard the gates. These are the Nio or Benevolent Kings. Key gates include the Great West Gate. It is also known as Gokuraku-mon. There are also the Great East and South Gates.
Health and welfare were always central to Shitennoji. Originally it included a welfare institution a hospital and a pharmacy. Even today the Tennoji area has many hospitals nearby. This continues the temple’s legacy.
The treasure house contains national treasures. These include Prince Shotoku’s swords. A Hokekyo sutra copy from the Heian Period is also there. Themed exhibitions display documents paintings and sacred objects.
Don’t miss the Gokuraku-jodo Garden. It represents Amida’s Western Paradise. Ponds waterfalls cherry trees and stone lanterns create a beautiful scene. Turtles bask in the Kame-no-ike Pond.
Note the stone torii gate at the main entrance. Dating from 1294 it is the oldest of its kind.
Shitennoji hosts important festivals. Shusho-e takes place on January 14. Higan-e rituals mark the spring and autumn equinoxes. A flea market fills the grounds on the 21st and 22nd of each month.
Shitennoji stands as a testament to Prince Shotoku’s vision. It shows his dedication to Buddhism and the well-being of Japan. It is a temple of resilience and enduring beauty. A place where the past merges with the present.