Hōdoku-ji Temple

Hotokuji

Place of worship • 23 Jūriinchō, Nara, 630-8312, Japan

4(35 reviews)

Exploring Hōdoku-ji Temple, a Hidden Buddhist Temple in Nara Prefecture

Enveloped in Timeless Beauty

Hōdoku-ji Temple is a tranquil sanctuary nestled in a quiet residential area of Nara City, Nara Prefecture. As you walk along the approach, moss-covered main gate and main hall come into view. The scent of decaying trees and the lush greenery, bathed in the intense sunlight filtering through the leaves, creates a space that seems to suspend the passage of time.

A Ground Filled with History

Stepping into the main hall, you will be greeted by an elegant and dignified space. The entire wall is adorned with a painting of the Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Tathagata), enveloping visitors in a serene atmosphere that seems to guide the soul into another world. In addition, the side altar enshrines statues of Ryojin Shonin and Kobo Daishi, conveying the weight of history.

The Allure of Jizo Statues for Matchmaking and the Three Wise Monkeys

As you stroll through the temple grounds, you will encounter moss-covered stone Buddhist statues and gravestones scattered throughout. Among them, the weathered Jizo Bodhisattva statues attract people praying for marital bliss, endearing the statues as Jizo statues for matchmaking. Moreover, the three wise monkeys in the Bishamon-do Hall exude a unique charm distinct to Nara, soothing the hearts of those who behold them.

Conclusion

Hōdoku-ji Temple is an off-the-beaten-path temple, away from the usual tourist spots, but its atmosphere and the charm of the Buddhist statues are exceptional. It offers a moment to immerse yourself in history and serenity. Visiting such a place and facing one's inner self from time to time may be an essential practice.

Tourist attraction Place of worship Point of interest Establishment

Reviews

5(4 months ago)

市村寿男

A temple of the Yuzu Nenbutsu sect whose mountain name is Komyozan and whose principal image is an image of Tentoku Nyorai. It is said that it originally called itself Tamon-in, a branch of Gango-ji Temple in the Shingon sect, but details are unknown. In 1605, it was rebuilt as a temple of the Yuzu Nenbutsu sect under the leadership of Baigan Shonin. There were fires in 1877 and 1892, so the Tenrikyo Hall in Isoshi District was moved and became the main hall, where it remains today. In the center of the main hall are the 11 images of Tentoku Nyorai and the standing statue of Amida Nyorai, on the right side the statues of Ryonin Shonin and Homyo Shonin and the statue of Kobo Daishi, and on the left side the statues of Amida Nyorai, Aizen Myoo, and Tamon Tenzo. It is enshrined. A standing statue of Jizo Bodhisattva, old stone Buddha statues, and tombstones are placed next to the main hall. There is Bishamon-do Hall next to the main gate, and a standing statue of Bishamonten is enshrined behind a treasure mirror with inscriptions ``1697'' and ``Daikokuya Shichibei,'' and behind it are statues of Aizen Myoo, Benzaiten, and Fudo. The three monkeys of Myoo and Koshin are enshrined here. On 24/01/20, as part of Naramachi's "Alley Strolling" event, Hotokuji Temple, which is usually closed to the public, was opened to the public and we visited. The volunteers told us interesting stories about the history of the temple and the Buddhist statues. The votive offerings of numbers 1 to 15 that appeared to be ``fortunes'' hanging on the wall of Bishamondo Temple made me smile.

4(a year ago)

御名方建

Take a walk around the town. As I was praying and looking at the magnificent bonsai in front of the main hall, someone from the tourism association came by and asked the chief priest to take a photo of the main hall... “Maybe you could open this for me!?” Blessed with a chance opportunity, I was able to go up into the main hall and pray to Amida Buddha. I also received a stamp, which I really appreciate✕2. Thank you to the tourism association and the chief priest.

3(4 years ago)

トラえもん

It was originally located within the precincts of Gango-ji Temple, but in 1605, it became part of the Yuzu Nenbutsu sect under Shonin Baigan, and it is said that this was the revitalization of Hotoku-ji Temple. Because it is not a tourist temple, it has a quiet and pleasant atmosphere. I was grateful to receive a stamp of the principal image of Amida Nyorai.

2(3 weeks ago)

おみつ

Fudo Myo-o-o was there.

5(a year ago)

ジュピロ

I received a stamp Tentoku Nyorai (300) Bishamonten (300) Parking: None Admission fee: Shino Visited in January 2020. Normally, reservations are required, but thanks to the Winter Nara Yamatoji Campaign 2022, we were able to visit without a reservation. Volunteers inside the temple gave various explanations.

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