Daigoji Temple Kaisando Hall

The Founder's Hall at the Summit

The Daigoji Temple Kaisando Hall (醍醐寺開山堂) is the Momoyama-period Kaisando, or founder's hall, at the summit of the upper precinct of Daigoji in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, which in 1954 was designated an Important Cultural Property.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records a single-storey hip-and-gable hall eight bays by five, entered at the gable end, with a three-bay porch.

According to the Agency, it stands beside the Nyoirindo at the far end of the upper precinct and dates from 1609.

History

Daigoji explains that the hall enshrines the temple's founder, Shobo (Rigen Daishi). Originally called the Miedo, it was built in 911 by Shobo's disciple Kangen, the first abbot, later burned, and was rebuilt in the Kamakura period but fell into ruin.

Daigoji says the present hall was rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyori, giving the year as 1606; the Agency gives 1609.

What to Look For

Daigoji describes it as the largest hall on the mountain, showing the grandeur of Momoyama architecture. Inside are statues of the founder Shobo at the centre, Kukai, founder of Shingon, on the left, and the first abbot Kangen on the right.

The temple notes that from the summit, where the Kaisando and Nyoirindo stand, one can look out over Osaka and Osaka Castle.

Visiting the Daigoji Temple Kaisando Hall

Daigoji notes that the upper precinct is reached by a steep mountain path of nearly an hour from the Nyonindo at the trailhead.

The temple layout and visiting information are on the Daigoji group page.