Chofuku-ji Temple (Ikoma City) (長福寺 (生駒市))
Chofuku-ji Temple is a temple of the Shingon Ritsu sect of Buddhism, situated at Tawaraguchicho, Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture. Its sango (literally, "mountain name"), which is the title prefixed to the name of a Buddhist temple, is Kinryusan. Its kaiki (patron of a temple in its founding) was Gyoki and its principal image is the seated statue of Amidanyorai (Amitabha).
History
According to the legend, it is said that Gyoki, a Buddhist priest, founded the temple at the request of Emperor Shomu in the Nara period, but the details are not clear.
Architecture
Hondo, the main hall (important cultural property)
The main hall was constructed with the Irimoya-styled roof (hip-and-gable roof) in the latter part of the Kamakura period.
Cultural Properties
National Treasure
Kondo Nosa Shoto (The bronze pagoda)
The Nosa Shoto (the miniature pagoda which contains nyoi hoju [a sacred jewel, said to remove suffering, and capable of granting every wish], 'cintamani' which presides over all creation in the universe) is considered as a typical example of metalwork in the Kamakura period. On the top of the pagoda, the 'Hoju (sacred gem)' with ornamental flames rising from three sides is seated upon the lotus base and the body of the tower displays twill-woven metal, gilt with copper and gold, and engraved with lotus flowers and an arabesque design.
(The treasure is deposited in the Tokyo National Museum.)
Important Cultural Property
Hondo (the main hall)
Other Cultural Properties
Mokuzo Amida Nyorai Zazo (The wooden seated statue of the Amitabha)
Mokuzo Jizo Bosatsu Ritsuzo (The wooden standing statue of the Jizo Bodhisattva)
Mokuzo Shotokutaishi Ritsuzo (The wooden standing statue of Prince Shotoku or Kotoku [faithful] Taishi)
Access
From Kintetsu Nara Line Ikoma Station, take Nara Kotsu Bus (Ikomadai loop-line) to 'Tawaraguchi Hanna Chuo Hospital.'