A vibrant place, Japan is a country that has seen a great evolution over the years in many aspects. Contemporary Japanese culture today still has many traces of ancient Japanese traditions.
In Japan, one can find an interesting mix of people who do not belong to one primary religion. The native religion of Japan is Shintoism. This religion has been in existence since the prehistoric times. Buddhism is yet another religion that is prominent in Japan with a large number of followers. A day in the life of a Japanese person would reveal their beliefs, which are deeply embedded in the teachings of these two religions. The beautiful Japanese temples are a testimony of the millions of devotees who visit these sacred places. The many Buddhist temples in Japan and the Shinto shrines continue to attract devotees and visitors from all across the globe. According to the Japanese language, tera is the word used to describe a Buddhist temple. A trip to Japan would help you to discover these interesting Japanese temples and feel their sanctity in person. Here, we shall look at the architectural splendor of the Buddhist temples in Japan.
The Magnificence of Buddhist Temples in Japan:
Buddhist temples follow the same basic set of principles that are used in other architectural structures in Japan. The basic architectural elements always involve the use of wooden columns. These columns are further placed on large stones. This is what helps to balance an entire structure. Many Japanese temples still follow the basic principle of a sloping roof. The ancient temples of Japan are characterized by their typical upturned corners.
The earlier Buddhist temples always had a particular pattern in its architectural design. The temple always has a gate, tower, kondo and kodo. The pagoda is one such structure that has its basis on the Indian stupa. The gates usually mark the entrance to the temple. Apart from the main gate, there are several other gates across the temple grounds. The lecture halls (kodo) are used for worship and also to conduct meetings. The main halls (kondo) are areas, which have the presence of the sacred objects (beautiful statues) of worship. In many temples, there is a large distance maintained from the image of the Buddha and the worshipers. The bell is yet another interesting element of these Buddhist temples. These are rung for 108 times on New Years Eve, which is based on a Buddhist ideal.
The location of the Buddhist temples is based on certain concepts. The Japanese follow a particular theory in this regard. There are many beliefs and customs associated with the location of these temples.
Oldest Wooden Temple: Hōryū-ji Temple
The Hōryū-ji temple is known the world over and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple is popular as one of the oldest wooden buildings in the entire world. Currently, this temple is divided into two areas. Once side has the five - storied pagoda in the west and the eastern side contains the quarters for the monks. The splendid architecture of the temple is not the only factor that adds to the charm of this sacred place. One can find some amazing pieces of art in this temple. The frescoes and the beautiful murals add to the beauty of the temple. These are considered to be the treasures of this Buddhist temple.
A visit to Japan should be a must if you wish to experience the peace and purity of these Japanese temples. A personal trip would explain the beauty and splendor of these magnificent structures, something that can’t be done only with words!
In Japan, one can find an interesting mix of people who do not belong to one primary religion. The native religion of Japan is Shintoism. This religion has been in existence since the prehistoric times. Buddhism is yet another religion that is prominent in Japan with a large number of followers. A day in the life of a Japanese person would reveal their beliefs, which are deeply embedded in the teachings of these two religions. The beautiful Japanese temples are a testimony of the millions of devotees who visit these sacred places. The many Buddhist temples in Japan and the Shinto shrines continue to attract devotees and visitors from all across the globe. According to the Japanese language, tera is the word used to describe a Buddhist temple. A trip to Japan would help you to discover these interesting Japanese temples and feel their sanctity in person. Here, we shall look at the architectural splendor of the Buddhist temples in Japan.
The Magnificence of Buddhist Temples in Japan:
Buddhist temples follow the same basic set of principles that are used in other architectural structures in Japan. The basic architectural elements always involve the use of wooden columns. These columns are further placed on large stones. This is what helps to balance an entire structure. Many Japanese temples still follow the basic principle of a sloping roof. The ancient temples of Japan are characterized by their typical upturned corners.
The earlier Buddhist temples always had a particular pattern in its architectural design. The temple always has a gate, tower, kondo and kodo. The pagoda is one such structure that has its basis on the Indian stupa. The gates usually mark the entrance to the temple. Apart from the main gate, there are several other gates across the temple grounds. The lecture halls (kodo) are used for worship and also to conduct meetings. The main halls (kondo) are areas, which have the presence of the sacred objects (beautiful statues) of worship. In many temples, there is a large distance maintained from the image of the Buddha and the worshipers. The bell is yet another interesting element of these Buddhist temples. These are rung for 108 times on New Years Eve, which is based on a Buddhist ideal.
The location of the Buddhist temples is based on certain concepts. The Japanese follow a particular theory in this regard. There are many beliefs and customs associated with the location of these temples.
Oldest Wooden Temple: Hōryū-ji Temple
The Hōryū-ji temple is known the world over and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple is popular as one of the oldest wooden buildings in the entire world. Currently, this temple is divided into two areas. Once side has the five - storied pagoda in the west and the eastern side contains the quarters for the monks. The splendid architecture of the temple is not the only factor that adds to the charm of this sacred place. One can find some amazing pieces of art in this temple. The frescoes and the beautiful murals add to the beauty of the temple. These are considered to be the treasures of this Buddhist temple.
A visit to Japan should be a must if you wish to experience the peace and purity of these Japanese temples. A personal trip would explain the beauty and splendor of these magnificent structures, something that can’t be done only with words!
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