Daishoin Temple 14 Chugoku Pilgrimage Part 1 Nio, Rakan, Fudo Myoo

 

Daisho-in is the main temple on Miyajima and was the temple that administered the Itsukushima Shrine for most of hstory.

It is a fairly large complex with mutliple halls, however most of the structures were destroyed or damaged in a big fire in 1887.

It is said that Kobo Daishi himself visited the island and practised on top of Mount Misen and then founded the temple.

However, this cannot be historically confirmed, although archeological evidence on Mount Misen suggest there was a Buddhist presence on the island as far back as the Nara Period.

There is a fine pair of Nio in the Niomon.

In the grounds are a set of Rakan,... not sure how many, but unusually they were wearing hats.

The honzon of the temple is Miki Daigongen, which I mentioned in an earlier post on Mitakidera.

I took so many photos at Daishoin that I have split them into two posts.

It was early November, so the Fall foliage had not yet reached its full splendour, but it was pretty enough...

In the treasure hall are numerous statues collected from around this temple,including this fine Fudo, said to be carved by Kobo Daishi.

Also a Nio from earlier times...

The Onarimon, "Imperial gate"

In front of the Chokgando Hall

In the Chokgando Hall is the main Namikiri Fudo Statue....

Surrounded by small statues of Hyakutai Fudo and Sentai Fudo...

The previous post was on the approach to Miyajima and to the temple...