The Shoku Nihongi of 797 places the origins of the temple in Hōki 11 (780), while the Legends of Akishino-dera (秋篠寺縁起) of 1139 ascribes it to the vows of Emperor Kōnin and Emperor Kammu and names its founder as Zenjū Daitoku (善珠大徳), younger brother of Emperor Shōmu. The Records of the Kōfuku-jiKanmu (輿福寺官務牒疏) of 1441 dates its foundation instead to 776. Excavated Nara-period tiles corroborate an eighth-century foundation date. Like other major temples of the period, Akishino-dera had two pagodas, as well as a Kondō. According to the Legends, a fire in June 1135 destroyed most of the temple. Two hundred and fifty-five ofuda, dating from 1327 to 1524, cast light on later years.[1][2]
Buildings
The five by four bay National TreasureHondō, with a raised platform, earthen floor, tiled hipped roof, and slightly narrower intercolumniation at each end, epitomises the Wayō style. Built on the site of the former lecture hall, it is a Kamakura-period rebuild in somewhat archaizing style. Inside, a raised altar platform is backed by an internal wall that spans three bays. The Hondō was dismantled for repair and reconstruction in 1899.[3][4][5]
For an explanation of terms concerning Japanese Buddhism, Japanese Buddhist art, and Japanese Buddhist temple architecture, see the Glossary of Japanese Buddhism.
References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Akishinodera.
^"秋篠寺調査概要" [Overview Survey of Akishinodera] (PDF) (in Japanese). Nabunken. 1 April 2015. Archived from the original(PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
^ 国宝 [National Treasures of Japan] (in Japanese and English). Vol. 4. The Mainichi Newspapers. 1966. p. 116.
^ ab国指定文化財一覧 [National Cultural Properties] (in Japanese). Nara Prefecture. Archived from the original on 22 November 2015. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
^"奈良県指定文化財一覧" [List of Prefectural Cultural Properties of Nara Prefecture] (PDF) (in Japanese). Nara Prefecture. 1 April 2015. Archived from the original(PDF) on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
^"奈良市指定文化財一覧" [List of Municipal Cultural Properties of Nara City] (in Japanese). Nara City. 19 March 2015. Retrieved 25 November 2015.