The Original Phoenix Hall at Byodoin Temple

The pair of phoenixes atop the roof of the Central Hall shone golden, while metal fittings with arabesque openwork in gold leaf ornamented the ends of the rafters. The structure was painted with red iron oxide 'bengara' pigment, and it is believed that the Central Hall, in particular, was a brilliant vermillion color. The shore of Aji Pond was thickly laid with pebbles. In the mid-12th century, Byodoin was a majestic compound of many buildings. The interior of the Central Hall housing the Amida Buddha statue, a National Treasure, was a representation of the Pure Land paradise. The pillars, crossbeams and tie beams were decorated with paintings of heavenly beings, phoenixes and intricate flora motifs in vivid colors. The beams were also coated with tints of mirror and mother of pearl to reflect all the meager light there was inside the Hall. The double canopy over the statue is a circular form within a rectangular frame. Amida is also known as the Buddha of Infinite Light, and in keeping with this, the Hall's interior was filled with dazzling light. Thus, when worshippers entered the Hall and came face to face with Amida they were no longer in our world, but in the realm of the Pure Land.

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YouTube | September 4, 2008

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