Hannyaji Temple Sutra Repository

One of the Few Medieval Sutra Stores

The Hannyaji Temple Sutra Repository (般若寺経蔵) is a simple sutra repository behind the stone pagoda of the late Kamakura period in Hannyajicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, and was designated an Important Cultural Property on June 20, 1969 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).

The Agency records three bays by two, single-storey, with a gabled roof of full tiles; designation number 01735.

A Repository Facing West behind the Pagoda

The sutra repository of Hannyaji stands behind the thirteen-storey stone pagoda, facing west: a gabled building of three bays by two with full tiles (Agency for Cultural Affairs). Though simple, it is thought to date from the end of the Kamakura period.

The Agency's commentary notes that Hannyaji is said to have begun as the retreat Hannyadai founded by the Goguryeo monk Ekan, later given a full set of halls by Emperor Shomu as a temple of imperial prayer. It was revived in the Kamakura period: the thirteen-storey stone pagoda was completed around 1253, and in 1267 a Monju statue commissioned by the monk Eison was consecrated.

Why It Is an Important Cultural Property

The Agency notes that it is one of the few surviving medieval sutra repositories.

What to Look For

Look at its plain gabled form standing behind the stone pagoda (Agency for Cultural Affairs).

Visiting

It is owned by Hannyaji Temple (Agency for Cultural Affairs). No official information on visiting hours or fees was found. The gate, sutra repository and pagoda are introduced together on the Hannyaji Temple page.