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Many see the architecture of Temples in Japan as a manifestation of the complexities
of Buddhist philosophy. Though the architecture of these temples has undergone
several changes over the years yet the basic elements have persevered.
The temples in Japan are supported by gigantic wooden columns, each of which
stands on a large piece of stone. These columns impart individual rooms to the
temples. The most attractive feature about the architecture of temples in Japan
is their roofs. The roofs display a complex style and exhibit great variations
which are worked on a common tiled sloping roof. The older temples are distinguishable
from the newer ones owing to their upturned flaring corners. The newer temples
in Japan have flatter and smoother roof corners.
The architecture of temples in Japan can be traced to China, from where Buddhism
too found passage.
Whether a grand structure exuding magnificence in the heart of the city or
a humble building sharing the serenity with a country side, the temples in Japan
are unified by the following common features-
Lecture Hall - known as kodo in the native tongue, lecture hall houses
the replicas of Lord Buddha under whose benevolent presence meetings and lectures
are organized.
Main Hall - or kondo, hondo or amidado, as it is called in Japanese,
is where all the devotees come to pay homage to their Lord. Various holy objects
and statues add to the sanctity of this hallowed place.
Pagoda - owes its origin to the Buddhist stupas in India. Pagodas are
essentially known to treasure sacred relics of Buddha. Depending on the number
of stories, a pagoda may be- Sanju No To or three storied; or Goju No To or
five storied.
Gates - The main gate marks the entrance to a temple in Japan. The pathway
which leads from the main gate to the temple is usually lined with a beautiful
garden.
One of the aspects that set temples in Japan apart from the shrines is that
they are built in the open space. Dwelling in a close proximity with nature,
the temples seem to share almost a symbiotic relationship with it. Thus the
serenity and calmness that marks the temples in Japan belongs no less to the
bountiful nature that surrounds it.
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