Kōryū-ji

Kōryū-ji (広隆寺) is a Shingon temple in Uzumasa, Ukyō Ward, Kyoto, Japan. The temple is also known by the names Uzumasa-dera (太秦寺)[1] and Kadono-dera (葛野寺), and was formerly known as Hatanokimi-dera (秦公寺), Hachioka-dera (蜂岡寺) and Hōkō-ji (蜂岡寺).

Kōryū-ji is said to be the oldest temple in Kyoto, having been constructed in 603 by Hata no Kawakatsu upon receiving a Buddhist statue from Prince Shōtoku. Fires in 818 and 1150 destroyed the entire temple complex, but it was rebuilt several times since.[2]

Wooden statue of Bodhisattva
A statue of the bodhisattva Maitreya, at Kōryū-ji

The temple contains a number of important pieces of cultural heritage. One of national treasures in Japan (registered on June 9, 1951), a wooden image of the Bodhisattva Maitreya sitting contemplatively in the half-lotus position, called "Hōkan Miroku" (宝冠弥勒) is amongst the rare objects that are preserved and displayed at Kōryū-ji.[2]

The temple is also renowned for its Bull Festival (牛祭, ushi matsuri), traditionally held in mid-October, but currently suspended.[3]

Notes
  1. Ponsonby-Fane, Richard. (1956). Kyoto: The Old Capital of Japan, p. 110.
  2. Japan Tourist Info.
  3. JNTO
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See also

References
  • Daijirin, 2nd edition
  • Daijisen, 1st edition
  • Kōjien, 5th edition
  • Ponsonby-Fane, Richard Arthur Brabazon. (1956). Kyoto: The Old Capital of Japan, 794-1869. Kyoto: The Ponsonby Memorial Society.

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