Koninji Temple
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The temple, situated around the main hall on a hillside 180 meters above sea level, is believed to have been founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai at the request of Emperor Saga in 814. The principal image is a wooden statue of Kokuzo Bosatsu (Akasagarbha Bodhisattva). During the Muromachi period (16th century), a war burned down most of the temple.
The current main building was reconstructed in 1629. The wooden standing Myojo Bosatsu statue (an Important Cultural Property) is currently on loan to the Nara National Museum.
The temple is renowned for the Jusanmairi event (April 13th), during which 13-year-old boys and girls pray to Kokuzo Bosatsu to protect them from evil spirits and bestow wisdom and good fortune.
Related articles
- Special feature on the proper etiquette to observe when visiting Shinto shrines and temples: What are the differences between temples and shrines? What must you avoid doing? This feature explains all these and more!
- https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/manner
