nanto shichidaiji　南都七大寺

KEY WORD :　architecture / buildings & structures

Lit. southern capital seven great temples. A generic expression in use by the 8c referring to the seven great temples, Toudaiji 東大寺, Gangouji 元興寺, Saidaiji 西大寺, Yakushiji 薬師寺, Daianji 大安寺, Koufukuji 興福寺 and Houryuuji 法隆寺 found in and around Heijoukyou 平城京, Nara. These temples were centers for the six sects Kusha 倶舎, Joujitsu 成実, Risshuu or Ritsu 律, Hossou 法相, Sanron 三論 and Kegon 華厳 (also written 花嚴), that flourished in Nara during the 8c. Toushoudaiji 唐招提寺 replaced Houryuuji during the Edo preiod. During the 11c, making a pilgrimage to the seven great temples became popular. Some accounts survive, including SHICHIDAIJI NIKKI 七大寺日記 (Diary of Seven Great Temples), and SHICHIDAIJI JUNREI SHIKI 七大寺巡礼私記 (Private Journal of a Pilgrimage to the Seven Great Temples). The author Ooe Chikamichi 大江親通, who made the pilgrimage first in 1106 and again in 1140 described his visits to these temples in Chikamichi.

REFERENCES:

EXTERNAL LINKS:

NOTES:

(C)2001 Japanese Architecture and Art Net Users System.　No reproduction or republication without written permission. 掲載のテキスト・写真・イラストなど、全てのコンテンツの無断複製・転載を禁じます。