Hōjūzan Haga-dera Temple

Overview

Haga-dera Temple is a Koyasan Shingon sect temple located in Haga, Obama City, Fukui Prefecture. Its mountain name is Hōjūzan, and its principal deity is the Eleven-faced Kannon. A historically significant temple that has long been a center of faith, it is said to have been founded in 716 AD by Gyōki at the request of Empress Genmei. Although it has suffered several fires throughout its history, it has been rebuilt each time and stands to this day. Haga-dera is one of the most famous temples in Wakasa, captivating many with its history, culture, and majestic atmosphere. The temple's greatest highlight is its main hall, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Built during the Muromachi period, this hall is 5 ken wide, 6 ken deep, and 13.21 meters high. Its hipped and gabled roof with steeply pitched eaves is characteristic of the architectural style of the Kitayama period. The interior clearly distinguishes between the inner and outer sanctuaries, preserving a traditional Esoteric Buddhist style. Inside the main hall is the Eleven-faced Kannon statue, a hidden image (hibutsu) until recently, which boasts stunningly preserved color. This statue strongly reflects the style of the early Heian period and its beauty captivates many. In addition to the Eleven-faced Kannon, Haga-dera houses many other important cultural properties, including statues of Senju Kannon (Thousand-armed Kannon) and Bishamon-ten (Vaisravana). These Buddhist statues are all of high historical value and possess exceptional artistic beauty. Haga-dera Temple is recommended for those who wish to immerse themselves in history and culture and find peace of mind. Why not spend some time in its tranquil atmosphere?