A temple standing on top of "silica stone"

#aprilblooms

The main mountain of the Shingon sect stands on the banks of the Seta River, which flows from Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. Strange rocks protrude all over the precincts, including large rocks towering in front of the main hall. This rock is a rare natural monument "silica stone" in the world, and it was named "Ishiyama-ji Temple" because it stands on a stone mountain. It was founded in 747 during the Nara period (710-794). It is said that it was built by Ryoben Sojo by imperial decree of Emperor Shomu.

The main hall, the oldest wooden building in Shiga Prefecture, which is enshrined with the main image of the Nyoirin Kanzeon Bodhisattva, which is the only imperial secret Buddha sealed by order of the emperor, and the oldest multi-ho pagoda in Japan, which is said to have been donated by MINAMOTO no Yoritomo, are designated as national treasures. Since Emperor Goshirakawa, there are valuable buildings scattered in the precincts, such as important cultural properties such as Tsukimitei, Todaimun, and Mieido, which were the thrones of successive emperors.

Post by MISTER KURO | Apr 21, 2025