Fukuchi-in Temple (福智院)
Fukuchi-in is a temple of Shingon Risshu sect located in Naramachi, Nara City, Nara Prefecture.
History
The predecessor of the temple was Kiyomizu-dera Temple, founded by Genbo in 736, and later restored in 1254, and renamed Fukuchi-in by a priest of Kofuku-ji Temple; it was later reconstructed by Eison.
Important Cultural Properties
Main hall - Kamakura period
Wooden seated statue of Jizo Bosatsu - Honzon (Principal image of Buddha), Kamakura period
The height of the statue is 2.7 meters. The total height of the statue including pedestal and halo is 6.7 meters. The statue sits not in the kekkafuza style (the way of leg crossing used in Zazen practice) but in Anza style (sitting quietly), holding Shakujo (a pilgrim's staff or sistrum) in his right hand, and Hoju (a sacred gem) in his left hand. Its pedestal is not Rengeza (a Lotus seat), but classical Mokakeza which was prevalent before Nara period, showing 560 small statues of Jizo Bosatsu (a guardian deity mainly for children) on its halo. According to its interior inscription, it was built on imperial order in 1203, and a ceremony to consecrate it was held in 1254.
Other Cultural Properties
Wooden seated statue of Kosho Bosatsu - the period of the Northern and Southern Courts (Japan).
Nearby spots
Jurin-in Temple
Gango-ji Temple
Annual events
The anniversary of Genbo's death - on June 18, the anniversary of the death Genbo, the founder of the temple, is held at Fukuchi-in Temple and Zuto.
Location
46 Fukuchiin-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture