Engaku Ji
Engaku Ji: Zen Buddhist temple complex
Engaku Ji is one of the most important Zen Buddhist temple complexes in Japan. Engaku Ji is also known by another name, Zuirokusan Engaku Kosho Zenji. This temple complex was established in 1282 which is based on the classical Chinese Zen monastic design. It is learned that the temple complex is ranked as the second among Kamakura's Five Mountains. The temple resides in the city of Kamakura, in Kanagawa prefecture to the south of Tokyo.
Historical account of the Engaku Ji temple
The temple was established by a Chinese Zen monk Mugaku Sogen at the request of the ruler of Japan, the regent Hojo Tokimune. This temple was dedicated to honor the people who died in the war. The recorded documents suggests that the copy of the Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment was dug out of the hillside in a stone chest during the initial building works. In Japan, this sutra is known as engaku-kyo, hence, the temple was known by the name of the Sutra, Engaku Ji.
Architectural features of the Engaku Ji
In the temple complex, there are various buildings with unique features each. As the pilgrims walk through the entrance, they can observe the buildings of the temple rise up a wooded hillside with the major buildings in a straight line in the Chinese style. Almost every buildings and tree are composed in the satisfying composition. There are altogether 18 temples on the site. Some of the building's description is as follows:
Sanmon
Sanmon is the two-storied main gate which was rebuilt in 1785. This gate is equipped with a wooden plaque of calligraphic work by the Emperor Fushimi. The upper floor enshrines the statue of Bodhisattva, the Sixteen Arhats, and the Twelve Heavenly Generals. The roof of this gate is made up of copper.
Butsuden
Butsuden is the main hall located at the center of the Engaku Ji temple complex. Due to the Great Kanto Earthquake, the hall was destroyed which was later rebuilt in 1964 CE. The main hall enshrines the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha with Jeweled Crown. The statue is depicted in seating posture which dates from the late Kamakura period. The hall also enshrines the statues of Bonten and Taishakuten which dates from 1692.
The front entrance of the main hall equips a plaque of calligraphy from Emperor Go-Kogon.
Sembutsudo and Kojirin
Sembutsudo is a thatch-roofed hall which is used for the meditation and also as a repository for sutra in 1699. The Kojirin is also a meditation hall but for the lay trainees. This meditation hall stands left of the Butsuden and is open to the public.
Ogane
Ogane or the Great Bell was cast by Mononobe Kunimitsu in 1301. The bell which is 2.6 meters tall is the largest of all the bells that have installed in the temples in Kamakura.
Shariden
The Shariden is a single storied hall build in irimoya style. The hall is enclosed with a pent roof which is covered with hinoki cypress bark shingles. It is recorded that the original structure was erected by Hojo Sadatoki in 1285 CE. Later in the year 1563, the hall was destroyed by a fire. The currently erected building was constructed during the Muromachi period.
It is believed that the hall houses a tooth of Shakyamuni which was presented by the Noninji Temple.
Other Structures
Other notable buildings and monuments erected in the Engaku Ji temple complex are Kaikibyo, Shozokuin, Kojirin, Hojo, the thatched Butsunichian, Obaiin, etc.
Note: FYI, we manage huge collection of various period and regional Buddhist arts in our Buddha shop in the Netherlands which is showcased in our online Buddha statues gallery. Please feel free to visit and know more about the Buddha statues.
Share this page
