Mandala Temple

This Seizan Jodo sect temple is located in Maehibo, Konan City, Aichi Prefecture. Its mountain name is Mount Nichirin. It was founded in 1329 (Gentoku 1) by Tenshin Joun and was called Enpuku-ji, but was renamed by the 7th head priest Kuko. Emperor Godaigo ordered Joun to pray for the success of the Kenmu Restoration (1333) and the peace of the nation, and it became a place of imperial prayer during the reign of Emperor Gonara (reigned 1526-57). It is known as the place where the Eastern Army held a military council during the Battle of Sekigahara, and during the Edo period it served as a danrin temple to educate students. Currently, there are eight temples within the mountain. The main hall (seido), large study, the portraits of the Five Pure Land Patriarchs, and the Chinese bronze bell are all designated as important cultural properties by the country. In addition, the temple has many treasures, including the Jizo Hall and mandala (all of which are prefectural cultural properties).

[Tamayama Narimoto]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

愛知県江南(こうなん)市前飛保(まえひぼ)にある西山(せいざん)浄土宗の寺。山号は日輪山(にちりんざん)。1329年（元徳1）天真乗運(てんしんじょううん)の創建で、円福(えんぷく)寺といったが、7世空光が改称した。後醍醐(ごだいご)天皇は乗運に命じて建武(けんむ)新政（1333）の成就と国家安泰を祈願し、後奈良(ごなら)天皇（在位1526～57）のとき勅願所となった。関ヶ原の戦いのとき東軍が軍議を開いた所として知られ、江戸時代には檀林(だんりん)として学徒の教育にあたった。現在、山内寺院八か寺を有する。本堂（正堂）、大書院、浄土五祖画像、中国銅鐘は国指定重要文化財である。そのほか地蔵堂、曼陀羅（いずれも県指定文化財）など寺宝は多い。

［玉山成元］

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