Chokyu-ji Temple

Overview

Chokyu-ji Temple is a Shingon-ritsū sect temple located in Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture. Tradition holds that it was founded in 728 AD (during the Shōmu era) by Gyōki. Its mountain name is Mayumiyama, and its principal deity is the Eleven-faced Kannon. The highlight of Chokyu-ji is undoubtedly its National Treasure Main Hall. Known as a representative example of esoteric Buddhist temple architecture from the Kamakura period, its stunning architecture earned it a 6th-place ranking in a poll of shrines and temples by master carpenters. The hall is an irimoya-zukuri style building with a hiwadabuki (cypress bark) roof, measuring 5 ken (approximately 9 meters) in frontage and 6 ken (approximately 10.8 meters) in depth. It exemplifies the Shin-Wagyō style of the Kamakura period, seamlessly blending traditional Japanese (Wagyō) architectural elements with Daibutsu-yō style influences visible in the design of the doors (san-dōgu), kashiranuki (beams), and the decorative carvings on the ends of the structural members (kinaba). The interior is divided into an outer sanctum (gejin) encompassing the front three bays and an inner sanctum (naijin). A lattice screen separates these two sections. A notable feature is the spacious outer sanctum, which accommodates a long ko-ryo (rainbow beam) spanning three bays. Under the beam, columns are placed one bay in from the front, while the inner bay omits columns, with the load supported by kaeruma (frog-shaped brackets) resting on the ko-ryo. Inside the main hall, numerous precious Buddhist statues are housed, including the principal image of the Eleven-faced Kannon. This statue, dating from the late Heian period, retains ancient features in its distinctive, upturned eyes and deep-set body. The hall's zushi (reliquary) contains paintings of the Taizōkai Mandala and a standing Fudo Myōō statue, and the Kongōkai Mandala and a standing Kongōsatta Myōō statue. Beyond the main hall, the Chokyu-ji temple grounds include several sub-temples (tatchū): Izanagi Shrine, Yakushiin, Engen-in, and Hokkein. Izanagi Shrine, originally the tutelary shrine of Chokyu-ji, is now independent. Yakushiin, Engen-in, and Hokkein each boast unique Buddhist statues and buildings. Yakushiin's principal deity is Yakushi Nyorai, and the grounds house a seated Yakushi Nyorai statue and twelve guardian deity statues. Engen-in's principal deity is Fudo Myōō, with a seated Fudo Myōō statue and a standing Bishamon statue among its treasures. Hokkein's principal deity is Amitābha, and its grounds house a seated Amitābha statue and a standing Kannon Bosatsu statue. Chokyu-ji Temple offers a profound experience of history and culture. Be sure to visit and explore the National Treasure Main Hall and the beautiful temple grounds.