Jigen-in Temple. A place steeped in history, nestled in Izumisano City. It holds a remarkable treasure. The two-storied pagoda of Jigen-in. It stands as the only National Treasure in the city. A testament to a time long past.
Jigen-in Temple’s origins trace back to 673. Emperor Tenmu ordered its construction. It served as a Buddhist temple. It was attached to the nearby Hine Jinja Shrine. The temple boasted magnificent halls and buildings. Sadly, Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s attack on Kishu in 1585 destroyed them. Toyotomi Hideyori later restored the temple. However, only the two-storied pagoda and main hall survived.
Originally, the temple bore a different name. It was called “Izekiyama Ganjojuji Jufukuin”. It was also known as “Oizeki Gobo” (Oizeki Temple). There’s a theory about its connection to Muhenko-in Temple. The Painting of Hineno Village depicts Muhenko-in at its center. It served as Kujo Masamoto’s residence and headquarters. Some believe Jigen-in succeeded Muhenko-in.
The temple’s current name honors Kujo Masamoto. His Buddhist name, “Jigen-nin,” inspired it. The head priest of Ninnaji Temple in Kyoto bestowed this name during the Edo period. He also made Jigen-in a branch of Ninnaji Temple. This connected it to the Omuro school of the Shingon sect of Buddhism.
The magnificent two-storied pagoda dates back to 1271. It’s one of Japan’s three famous two-storied pagodas. It shares this distinction with the pagodas of Ishiyamadera Temple in Shiga and Kongosanmai-in Temple on Mt. Koya in Wakayama. The pagoda stands 10.5 meters tall. Its lower story is square. Each side measures 2.7 meters. “Nitesaki” support the roof. These are bracket complexes with two steps. “Nokishirin,” convex struts, adorn them. The upper story has twelve columns arranged in a circle. A two-stage structure of “odaruki” (tail rafters) and “nokishirin” further enhances the roof. “Yontesaki,” four-step bracket complexes, support this structure. Cypress bark shingles cover the roof.
Inside the pagoda’s inner sanctuary, you’ll find a seated figure of Dainichi Nyorai. This is a Tangible Cultural Property. Jikokuten (Dhrtarastra) and Tamonten (Vaisravana) attend the figure. These attendants originally resided near the main hall. They were moved to the inner sanctuary during the Meiji period restoration. Jigen-in Temple. It stands as a beacon of history and art. Its pagoda is a true masterpiece. A must-see for any visitor to Izumisano City.