The archipelago of Japan is said to have nearly 10000 years of history. If one were to name a city as a storehouse of this glorious history it would the former imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto. The imperial capital Kyoto is one of the most photographed cities in Japan and with reason. Kyoto with its 400 shrines, 1600 Buddhist temples, innumerable gardens and museums is visited by more than 40 million tourists every year. This city witnessed its height of glory when the Emperor ruled the country from here and its sundry architectural landmarks like palaces, temples and shrines were built mainly in this period. Out of Kyoto’s many temples and shrines the Sanjusangendo is another temple that as a tourist to Kyoto you must not miss out on.
The Sanjusangendo temple was originally built in 1164 AD on the wishes of the then emperor. This temple in Eastern Kyoto is also known as Rengeo-in, although its more accepted name is Sanjusangendo. The temple is famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Mercy and Compassion. Though the temple was founded in 1164 its present structure dates back to 1266 AD.
The main hall of this temple is over 100 meters long and holds the record of being Japan’s longest wooden structure. The 1001 statues of Kannon are housed in this hall and this hall is more than 700 years old. In the centre of the hall is the largest statue of Kannon on both sides of which are the 500 statues of Kannon-Bosatsu. "Sanjusangendo" literally translated means a hall with 33 bays. The figure of 33 is sacred in the Buddhist religion, as Buddhist mythology says that Buddha provides salvation to mankind by disguising himself in 33 different forms. These 1,001 statues of Kannon-Bosatsu are kept in these 33 bays. Each small idol is 5 1/2 feet tall, carved out of wood and leafed in gold. In the center, the principal image of Kannon is 11 feet tall. Thirty statues are placed in front of the 1,001 statues of Kannon-Bosatsu. Two of them are the deities of wind and thunder, the others are spirits called "Ninju-hachibushu". They serve the Kannon-Bosatsu and signify virtues of such as beauty, wisdom, prosperity, etc.
The Sanjusangendo hall with its 1001 images of Kannon is a magnificent sight indeed. If you are in Kyoto then do not miss out on this historical tourist attraction.
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