[Hyogo Prefecture] Takarazuka City, Nakayama-dera Temple, Part 4

#SummerCampaign

"Seiryuto" (Blue Dragon Pagoda)
As its name suggests, Nakayama-dera's five-story pagoda is unique in its blue color, which is rarely seen in Japan.
This represents the wisdom of the Buddha and the blue dragon, one of the four gods that govern the four directions of the four directions.
The basement of the pagoda enshrines relics (Buddha's remains) brought from Dharmakirti Monastery in Nepal. Additionally, decorative tiles depicting creatures such as grasshoppers, dragonflies, and dragons are placed at the four corners of each floor, reminiscent of paintings depicting Shakyamuni's Nirvana.
This represents the wish that the various creatures will unite to protect the pagoda, and thus Shakyamuni's Buddhism, for all eternity.
Inside the pagoda, the central pillar running through the center is regarded as Dainichi Nyorai, and with their backs to the central pillar, the Five Buddhas of the Diamond Realm are enshrined: Ashuku Nyorai to the east, Hosho Nyorai to the south, Muryoju Nyorai to the west, and Amoghavajra Nyorai to the north.
According to temple legend, approximately 400 years ago, Nakayama-dera suffered severe damage during the Araki Murashige Rebellion, and the temple buildings, including the two-story pagoda and five-story pagoda, were reduced to ashes.
The temple complex was later rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyori in 1603, but the two-story pagoda and five-story pagoda that appear in old drawings were not rebuilt at that time.
Over 400 years later, in 2007, the Tahoto Pagoda (Daigan Pagoda) was rebuilt first, and ten years later, in 2017, the five-story pagoda was rebuilt and named "Shoryuto" (Blue Dragon Pagoda).
This marked the resumption of the temple's long-cherished goal of having both the Tahoto Pagoda and the five-story pagoda in its entirety.
It stands approximately 28 meters tall and features a mokoshi (soffit) on the first floor.
A mokoshi is a roof that protects the building from wind and rain and also enhances the tower's appearance.
This is why it appears to have six floors at first glance, and five-story pagodas with a mokoshi are a rare style found only at Kaijusen-ji Temple and Horyuji Temple.

"Daishi-do" (Daishi Hall)
This hall enshrines Kobo Daishi Kukai, the founder of Shingon Buddhism.
This is the reception desk for fertility prayers.

Nakayama-dera Temple
📍Address: 2-11-1 Nakayama-dera, Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, 665-8588