A Detailed Explanation of the History and Overview of Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei

 

　Table of Contents

1. Overview of Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei
   
2. History of Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei
   
3. Highlights of Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei
   

Introduction

Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei is the head temple of the Tendai sect, with a history spanning over 1,200 years. It is a place that has had a profound influence on the development of Japanese Buddhism. In this article, we will explore the history, cultural significance, and key highlights of Enryakuji Temple in detail.

Today, the temple is registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and is home to numerous structures and statues that have been designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. It continues to attract many worshippers and tourists.

1. Overview of Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei 

Enryakuji Temple, the head temple of the Tendai sect, is located on Mount Hiei, which straddles Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture and Kyoto Prefecture. Founded in 788 by the monk Saichō, also known as Dengyo Daishi, it has a history that spans over 1,200 years. Enryakuji Temple is renowned as a central hub of Japanese Buddhism and has been a significant site for the training of many prominent Buddhist monks, such as Hōnen, Shinran, Eisai, Dōgen, and Nichiren, all founders of major Japanese Buddhist schools. For this reason, it is often referred to as the "Mother Mountain of Japanese Buddhism."

The temple grounds are vast, covering approximately 1,700 hectares and featuring over 100 buildings. The complex is divided into three primary areas: Tōdō (East Pagoda), Saitō (West Pagoda), and Yokokawa. Each area has a central hall, with the most famous being the Konpon Chūdō (Main Hall) in the Tōdō area. The Konpon Chūdō is the main hall of Enryakuji Temple and is designated as a National Treasure. Inside this hall, the "Eternal Flame of the Dharma" (Fumetsu no Hōtō) has been continuously burning for over 1,200 years, since it was first lit by Saichō.

During the Sengoku period, the temple suffered devastating destruction during the attack by Oda Nobunaga, but it was later rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Today, many of the buildings and cultural artifacts at Enryakuji Temple are designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties. In 1994, Enryakuji Temple was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

Enryakuji Temple is also renowned as a site of rigorous Buddhist training, with strict practices centered around the Konpon Chūdō and the Great Lecture Hall (Daikōdō). As a popular tourist destination, it features many highlights such as the Konpon Chūdō, Shaka-dō (Shakyamuni Hall), Ninai-dō, and Monjūrō (Monju Tower), attracting numerous worshippers and tourists throughout the year.​

2. History of Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei 

Enryakuji Temple, founded in 788 by Dengyō Daishi (Saichō), is the head temple of the Tendai sect and has played a significant role in the development of Japanese Buddhism throughout its long history. As one of the most important temples in Japanese Buddhist history, Enryakuji has witnessed numerous historical events. Below is an explanation of its key historical moments, divided by period.

　1. Foundation and the Activities of Saichō (788) 

Enryakuji Temple was founded in 788 by Saichō, the founder of the Tendai sect. At the age of 20, Saichō entered Mount Hiei and built a small hermitage where he began his religious training. In response to the corruption of the existing Buddhist schools of Nara, Saichō sought to reform Japanese Buddhism by spreading the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, which emphasized that "all beings can attain Buddhahood."

In 804, he traveled to China, where he studied Tendai teachings, and after returning to Japan in 805, he officially established the Tendai sect. Through his efforts, Enryakuji developed into a central hub of Buddhist training and scholarship in Japan.​

　2. Development of the Tendai Sect and Relations with the Imperial Court (9th Century)

After Saichō, Enryakuji flourished as the center of the Tendai sect, producing many influential monks. His disciples spread the teachings of Enryakuji throughout Japan, solidifying its reputation as the "Mother Mountain of Japanese Buddhism." The third head abbot of the Tendai sect, Ennin (Jikaku Daishi), further developed Tendai teachings and incorporated elements of Pure Land Buddhism, contributing to Enryakuji's growth.

In the mid-Heian period, Ryōgen (Jie Daishi) worked on reconstructing various halls and promoting Tendai scholarship. His disciple, Genshin (Eshin Sōzu), authored the Ōjōyōshū, which laid the foundation for the later development of Pure Land Buddhism.

　3. The Burning of Enryakuji (1571) 

One of the most significant events in the history of Enryakuji occurred in 1571, during the Sengoku period, when Oda Nobunaga ordered the temple's destruction. This event, known as the "Burning of Enryakuji," was part of Nobunaga’s political strategy. At the time, Enryakuji held great influence as a religious force, and its warrior monks (sōhei) often allied with Nobunaga’s enemies. To consolidate his power, Nobunaga sought to eliminate this threat.

Nobunaga’s forces destroyed many of Enryakuji’s halls and buildings, and countless lives were lost. The temple was left in ruins for a time, but it was later rebuilt with the support of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu.

　4. Restoration in the Meiji Period and UNESCO World Heritage Registration (20th Century) 

In the Meiji period, the government’s policy of separating Shinto from Buddhism (Shinbutsu bunri) dealt a temporary blow to many Buddhist temples, including Enryakuji. However, restoration efforts continued, especially following a fire in 1956 that destroyed parts of the temple. In 1994, Enryakuji Temple was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto," gaining international recognition for its cultural and historical significance.

3. Highlights of Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei 

Enryakuji Temple offers not only historical and religious significance as the head temple of the Tendai sect, but also beautiful scenery harmonized with nature. Below are some of the key spots worth visiting.

　■ Konpon Chūdō (Main Hall) 

Konpon Chūdō is the central building of Enryakuji Temple, founded by Saichō in 788. It houses the Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) enshrined by Saichō, and is also home to the "Eternal Flame of the Dharma," which has been burning continuously for over 1,200 years. The oil for this flame is supplied daily, and it is believed that the flame will remain lit until the arrival of Maitreya Buddha in the future, according to Saichō’s wish.

Currently, Konpon Chūdō is undergoing a massive 10-year renovation, and visitors can witness the restoration process up close. The work includes replacing the roof, restoring the color, and repairing the corridors.

　■ Daikōdō (Great Lecture Hall) 

Located near the Konpon Chūdō, the Daikōdō serves as an important facility where monks engage in academic studies and training. Originally built in 824, it has been rebuilt several times, with the current structure dating from 1963. It is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Inside, Dainichi Nyorai (Cosmic Buddha) is enshrined as the principal deity, and statues of the founders of various Japanese Buddhist schools, such as Hōnen and Shinran, are also housed here. Visitors can also see portraits of prominent monks associated with the Tendai sect, including Shakyamuni.

　■ Amida Hall 

Amida Hall is one of the key halls in Enryakuji Temple, dedicated to the Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha) and established based on the teachings of the Tendai sect. As a center of Pure Land Buddhism, many devotees pray to Amida Nyorai here. For the Buddhist practitioners of Mount Hiei, Amida Hall is a significant place where they pray for rebirth in the Pure Land.

Amida Hall provides a tranquil environment where followers of Amitabha Buddha can meditate and pray. Amida Nyorai symbolizes infinite compassion and salvation, offering hope and peace to visitors.

　■ Shakadō (Hall of Shakyamuni) / Tenporindō 

Shakadō is the main hall in the Saitō (West Pagoda) area of Enryakuji, where the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, said to have been created by Saichō himself, is enshrined. After the destruction caused by Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi relocated this building from Mii-dera in Ōtsu, and it remains the oldest building at Enryakuji today.

As a representative example of Tendai architecture, Shakadō is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Surrounded by towering cedar trees, its solemn presence leaves a deep impression on visitors.

　■ Jōdo-in 

Jōdo-in is the mausoleum of Dengyō Daishi (Saichō) and is considered one of the most sacred places on Mount Hiei. Known for its meticulously maintained cleanliness, it exudes an air of solemnity and purity. Visitors often find themselves deeply moved by the serene atmosphere as they approach Saichō's mausoleum through the mountain paths from the Saitō area.

Jōdo-in also serves as a site where Enryakuji's monks undergo rigorous training, reflecting the spiritual austerity of the temple.

　■ Ganzandaishi-dō (Hall of Ganzandaishi) 

Located in the Yokokawa area, Ganzandaishi-dō is an important hall known as the birthplace of the omikuji (fortune slip). The hall was established by Ryōgen (Ganzandaishi), a monk from the Heian period who created omikuji as a way to offer guidance and solutions to people's concerns. Unlike modern fortune-telling, the original practice involved monks listening to visitors' worries and offering advice.

Many visitors come to Ganzandaishi-dō seeking prayers for health and protection from misfortune, following Ryōgen's teachings.

　■ Ninaidō (Hall of the Shouldering) 

Ninaidō consists of two halls, Jōgyōdō and Hokke-dō, connected by a corridor. The name "Ninaidō" (which means "Hall of the Shouldering") comes from the legend of the warrior monk Benkei, who is said to have carried the two halls on his shoulders. Jōgyōdō enshrines Amida Nyorai, while Hokke-dō houses Samantabhadra (Fugen Bosatsu), with each hall serving different practices throughout history.

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 In Conclusion 

Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei continues to carry its deep history and cultural significance as the "Mother Mountain of Japanese Buddhism." Founded by Saichō, this sacred place has been a training ground for many renowned monks and has played a central role in Japanese Buddhism. Today, its traditions and spirit live on, and as a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site, Enryakuji welcomes numerous visitors and pilgrims alike as a historic destination.

Visitors can feel the harmony between the temple’s majestic structures and the surrounding nature, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the profound teachings of Buddhism.