| [Location] Horyu-ji, Ikaruga-machi, Ikoma-gun, Nara-ken |  |
Chugu-ji temple
[Location] Horyu-ji, Ikaruga-machi, Ikoma-gun, Nara-ken
About Chugu-ji temple
About Chugu-ji temple
Chugu-ji temple is one of the temples which Empress Suiko and Prince Shotoku built. It is not clear when it was built, but the temple was built in order to mourn over the death of Prince Shotoku's mother, Anahobe-no-Hashihito Himemiko. Chugu-ji temple is very similar to Horyu-ji temple. This temple was built in a diametrical opposition as the Horyu-ji temple, according to Prince Shotoku's mother's wish. The combination of the pond which we can see from the Main temple and the Main temple harmonizes well, and gives out an elegant and calm atmosphere. This calmness also comes from the image of the Miroku Bosatsu. This representative image of Miroku Bosatsu of the Asuka and Hakuoh era, putting his right foot on his left thigh, resting his cheek in his right hand, and smiling gently, and the Tenjukoku Shucho, which the death of the prince is stitched by his princess, Tachibana-no-Ooiratsume, are especially famous, both designated as national treasures. The ruin of the former Chugu-ji temple is 400 meters east of the Chugu-ji temple today, and in ancient times, there was a reservoir named "Chugu-ji pond". On the north of where the former reservoir, is a Dodan still remaining today. This Dodan with the size of 36 meters long and 20 meters wide, is the ruins of the Pagoda and Kon-do of Kyu-ji temple. There are investigations going on today, of the former precinct of Chugu-ji temple.
