Enryaku-Ji Temple is on the top of Mount Hieizan in Japan. The entire complex along with its surroundings was designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994. This 1,200 years old complex has played a pivotal role in Japanese history and Buddhist traditions. The Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism flourished here. The temple is also said to have nurtured the spiritual landscape of Japan all these years.
Founded in 788 by the revered monk Saicho, also known as Dengyo Daishi, Enryaku-Ji Temple has withstood the test of time, overcoming destruction and rising from the ashes to continue its legacy. Architectural beauty, and spiritual tranquillity are at its prime at this complex. The complex had about 3,000 buildings when it was at the peak of its existence. Many pagodas, numerous halls and many sacred spaces connected by nature-filled pathways, were all over the complex covering an area of approximately 1,700 hectares on Mount Hieizan.
Because of its large expanse the complex is divided into three parts. Todo area, the area of eastern Pagoda is the most visited central part of the complex. It has the Konpon Chudo (Main Hall), the lecture hall and the ordination hall along with many other structures. Konpon Chudo houses a statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) and a flame called “Eternal Dharma Light,” which is said to have been burning continuously for over 1,200 years. A five minutes walk away from this hall is another structure called Amida-do, which was built in 1937. The serene sound of drops of water falling in the underground vessel can be experienced here. A marvellous composition of stone and red wood chiselled out to support the doubled tiered sloping curvilinear roof of the pagoda is the essential component of this as well as many other beautiful structures of this complex.
Western Pagoda area called Saito is a more secluded area and surrounded by nature, it is connected with the Todo area by a beautiful natural path. The main structure here is the Shaka-do, the oldest building at Enryaku-Ji. Yokawa Area is the most remote area of the complex. The main building here is the Yokawa Chudo (Central Hall).
Architecture preserves traditions and memories, thus we need to preserve our traditional architecture, Japanese know it well and they have demonstrated it at Enryaku-Ji.
