Manjusri image at Chikurin-ji temple unveiled for 1st time in 50 years

Manjusri image at Chikurin-ji temple unveiled for 1st time in 50 years

KOCHI, Japan - "Monju Bosatsu, " an image of Manjusri, sitting atop a roaring lion, which symbolizes the powerful voice of Buddhist Law and the power of Buddhism to overcome all obstacles, goes on display to the public on April 25, 2014 for the first time in 50 years at Chikurin-ji, a Shingon temple in Kochi, Kochi Prefecture, western Japan. The temple is number 31 on the Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage said to be launched by Kukai, a renowned monk also known as Kobo Daishi, 1,200 years ago. The display is open to the public through May 25. (Pool photo by Kochi Shimbun).

The Sanmon Gate at Sensoji Temple

The Sanmon Gate at Sensoji Temple

The sanmon (front gate) at Sensoji Temple was called Niomon because statues of the guardian deities Kongo Rikishi were installed on both the right and left (present-day Hozomon). Statues of Monju Bosatsu (Manjusri Bodhisattva) and Shiten (four angels) are installed on the second floor of the gate building. The plaque Sensoji is based on calligraphy by the head priest of the Tendai Sect, Ryosho Hoshin-o. This photograph was taken before brick buildings were erected in the Nakamise commercial area in 1885.==Date:unknown, Place:Tokyo, Photo:unknown, (Credit:Nagasaki University Library/Kyodo News Images) [Cabinet Number72‐123‐0]

Han-nyaji temple

Han-nyaji temple

It is said that this was built as a shrine to Manjusri Bodhisattva by Keigan who came to Japan from Korea in 629. It prospered during the Nara Period as Hannyaji Senbo. The 13-story stone pagoda in the centre of the picture was made by Igyomatsu who came to Japan during the Kamakura Era from the Sung dynasty.==Date:unknown, Place:Nara, Photo:unknown, (Credit:Nagasaki University Library/Kyodo News Images) [Cabinet Number30‐5‐0]