It is called the "Temple of the Golden Pavilion". It is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan and one of the most popular tourist attraction in Kyoto.
The site of Kinkaku-ji was originally a villa called Kitayama-dai, belonging to a powerful statesman, Saionji Kintsune. When the villa was purchased from the Saionji family by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and transformed into a Kinkaku-ji complex. When he died it was converted into Zen temple by his son. During the Onin War, all of the buildings in the complex aside from the pavillion were burned down numerous times throughout its history. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955. Kinkaku-ji is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond.
The first floor was built in the Shinden style used for palace buildings during Heian Period, and with its natural wood pillars and white plaster walls contrasts yet complements the gilded upper stories of the pavilion. Statues of the Shaka Buddha and Yoshimitsu are stored in the first floor. Although it is not possible to enter the pavilion, the statues can be viewed from across the pond if you look closely, as the front windows of the first floor are usually kept open.
The second floor is built in the Bukke Style used in Samurai residences, and has its exterior completely covered in gold leaf. Inside is seated Kannon Bodhisattva surrounded by statues of the Four Heavenly Kings; however, the statues are not shown to the public. Finally, the third and uppermost floor is built in the style of a Chinese Zen Hall, is gilded inside and out, and is capped with a golden phoenix.
Subscribe by Email
Follow Updates Articles from This Blog via Email
No Comments