Japan Heritage - Hinenosho

Attraction of the constituent cultural properties

Color mandala composed of holy spirits of Mahavairocana’s parietal region on silk in Shipporyuji Temple

This mandala depicts Kongokai Dainichi Nyorai in the center surrounded by eight great images of Buddha. Originally from Hinenosho, it conveys the worldview of the people who practiced the Katsuragi Shugen pilgrimage in the Southern and Northern Courts Period (1336–1392).

The mandala represents “to attain a state of enlightenment.” The illustration of the mandala represents the cosmology and doctrine of Buddhism graphically. Inside of the large enso (circle encompassing Buddha images in Mandala) in the center, Kongokai Dainichi Nyorai sits on a throne supported by seven lions with a jeweled crown of Gobutsu (five Buddhas) on his head and is surrounded by eight great images of Buddha sitting on lotus seats. Fudo Myoo, in a triangle, and Kosanze Myoo, in a half moon, face each other across a kuyodan (small altar for memorial services) in the center at the bottom. Although some parts of this Mandala are damaged or unclear, a profound atmosphere is conveyed by the contrast of red and gold created through the attachment of gold foil to the whole mandala with kirikane (cutting metal sheets into shapes) and urahaku (applying metal foil to the back of silk) techniques. It is estimated that the mandala was produced during the Southern and Northern Courts Period (1336-1392) to early Muromachi period (1336-1573) based on the gentle lines and simplified expressions, as well as the relatively large size of Fudo Myoo and Kosanze Myoo relative to the enso, in comparison with works in the Kamakura period (1185-1333).

<Access to the Shugendo Shiryokan museum>From Izumisano Station on the Nankai Line or Hineno Station on the JR Line, take Nankai Wing Bus Nanbu Line 21 or 23, get off at Inunakisan bus stop, and walk for 25 minutes.
Required to make a contact in advance.

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