Chojuji Temple Main Hall

JAPAN, Shiga, Konan

Chojuji Temple belongs to the Tendai school of Japanese Buddhism. According to the temple records, the hall was originally constructed by monk Gyoki under the orders of Emperor Shomu (reigned 724–749), after his prayers for a son were answered. Judging from its appearance, the main hall is likely to have been built during the Kamakura period (1185–1333) with techniques adopted between the late Heian period (794–1185) and early Kamakura periods. It was listed as a National Treasure in 1953.
The five-by-five bay hall has a single-eave hip roof covered with cypress shingles. The ends of the gently sloping roof are upturned and are supported by triple bracket sets. The eaves at the front are extended to form a portico and are supported by columns. The hall is surrounded by a veranda. The central bay and those on either side have doors, while the outer bays have mullioned windows.
Within the simple structure the floor is laid with wooden floorboards. There are lattice panels separating the worship area from the shrine, which is decorated with flowery square and diamond patterns. A statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is enshrined on a Sumeru throne within a cabinet.