What if I told you that this unassuming temple holds centuries of stories? Welcome to Jyootaiji Temple. It is a hidden gem of Kyoto. We will explore its history together.
Jyootaiji is a Buddhist temple. It belongs to the Jodo Shu denomination. This temple provides a serene escape from the bustling city.
Let’s step back to the founding of Kyoto. The capital moved here in 794. It was renamed Heiankyo or Imperial City of Heiankyo. A grand avenue stretched from the entrance to the Imperial Palace. This avenue divided the city symmetrically. Guardian temples were built on the east and west sides of the entrance. Jyootaiji stands as a testament to this era. The temple on the west no longer exists. Jyootaiji continues to thrive.
In 823, Emperor Saga honored Monk Kukai. He gave To-ji Temple to him. Kukai transformed To-ji into a center for Shingon Buddhism. He added buildings like the pagoda and halls. Since then, To-ji has been the headquarters of the Shingon sect.
Monk Kukai journeyed to China in 804. He studied Esoteric Buddhism and cultural arts. He also studied civil engineering. In 816, Kukai established a religious community on Mt Koya. Later, the emperor entrusted To-ji to Kukai. Kukai established the first private school in Japan. He is a famous figure in Japanese history. He was a scholar, calligrapher and educator.
Shingon Buddhism teaches enlightenment. It suggests it is possible within a believer’s life. This can be achieved through training the body, speech and mind. Special rituals, syllables, yoga and concentration help achieve this state.
To-ji Temple was founded in 796. It stood alongside Sai-ji. They stood near the Rashomon gate of Heiankyo. To-ji means East Temple. Sai-ji disappeared in the 16th century.
To-ji is associated with Kobo Daishi or Kukai. It declined at the end of the Heian period. It regained prominence with the rise of Daishi Shinko. Emperor Saga placed Kukai in charge of To-ji in 823. The temple’s main image is Yakushi Nyorai. Many services for Daishi are held in Miei-do. An earthquake damaged the temple in 1586.
The five-storied pagoda dates from 1643. It was rebuilt by Tokugawa Iemitsu. The original pagoda was built in the 9th century. It was destroyed and rebuilt four times. The pagoda is 54.8 meters tall. It is the tallest wooden tower in Japan. Entrance is allowed only on special occasions. It houses relics, sculptures and paintings.
The Kondo or Golden Hall contains a statue of Yakushi from 1603. The Miedo is dedicated to Kobo Daishi. It stands on the location of his original residence. The hall is opened on the 21st of each month.
The grounds feature a garden and pond. Turtles and koi swim there. The grounds also house Rakunan.
To-ji was rebuilt in the early Edo Period. It was dedicated as a Shingon Buddhist temple. These temples used natural design elements. Japanese architects used technology to resist damage. This style evolved into the Zenshuyo style.
UNESCO designated To-ji as a World Heritage Site. This recognized its historical and spiritual significance.
A flea market is held on the 21st of each month. It is called Kobo-san. It honors Kobo Daishi or Kukai. The market features antiques, art and clothes.
To-ji was used by Ashikaga Takauji. The temple site was largely destroyed during the Onin War. It was rebuilt in the following century. The current grounds are only a quarter of their original size. To-ji is still a working monastery.
As you leave Jyootaiji, reflect on the layers of history. Consider the blend of Buddhist and Shinto traditions. Let the temple’s tranquility linger as you continue your journey.