Chukondo, Central Golden Hall - Kofukuji Temple — Attraction in Nara

Reconstructed in 2018, the Central Golden Hall is both Kohfukuji’s newest building and the most important structure in the temple complex. The term “golden hall” refers to a structure whose primary function is to enshrine one or more Buddhist icons. Since these images are usually gilded, the light of the candles and oil lamps offered to them reflects off their bodies, causing the building to emit a golden glow that is likened to the Buddhist teaching illuminating the world with the light of wisdom. Historically, Kohfukuji had three such Golden Halls. The oldest and most important was the Central Golden Hall, so named because it was located between the Eastern and Western Golden Halls at the very center of the temple. Constructed between 710 and 714 at the behest of the founding patron of Kohfukuji, Fujiwara no Fuhito (659–720), the original Central Golden Hall enshrined an image of the historical Buddha Shaka Nyorai (Skt. Śākyamuni) with two attendant bodhisattvas, two images of the Elven-headed Kannon, images of the Four Heavenly Kings, as well as a set of images recreating the heavenly palace of Miroku (Skt. Maitreya), the Buddha of the future. Over the centuries, the Central Golden Hall burned down a total of seven times. In 1819, more than a hundred years after the most recent of these fires, donations from the people of Nara finally allowed for the erection of a small, temporary hall. By the 1970s, however, this structure had deteriorated to the point that it had to be abandoned, and ultimately demolished completely in the year 2000. Following its removal, a new building that faithfully reproduces both the dimensions and the architectural style of the Nara-period (710–794) original was erected on the site. This new Central Golden Hall, the first full-scale reconstruction in more than three centuries, was consecrated in October 2018 with an elaborate series of rituals and is now open...

Kōfuku-ji Chū-kondō (Central Golden Hall) is a significant Buddhist structure in Nara, Japan, and a key part of the historic Kōfuku-ji temple complex. Originally founded in 669 by the powerful Fujiwara clan, Kōfuku-ji served as their tutelary temple and became one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara. The Chū-kondō, the central hall of worship, has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout its long history due to wars, fires, and natural disasters.

The most recent reconstruction was completed in 2018, restoring the hall to its original grandeur after being lost for over 300 years. This modern restoration was based on historical records and archaeological findings, aiming to recreate the structure as it stood during the Nara period (710–794). The hall houses important Buddhist statues, including an image of Shaka Nyorai (the historical Buddha).

Kōfuku-ji is part of the UNESCO-listed Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara and remains an active temple of the Hossō school of Buddhism. The Chū-kondō stands as a symbol of resilience and devotion, attracting visitors and pilgrims alike. Its reconstruction highlights Japan’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage and maintaining the spiritual significance of its ancient...

Rip off. 500¥ to watch 5 statues. No photos for some reason. Next building national treasure something another 700¥ i think better go there, however in Nara its a common practice to take money for, softly saying, very modest exhibitions. Don't fall in tourism traps close to metro. Go deeper there are tons of living shrines in the town with really alive spirit and amazing views. You can donate money to real people, not sneaky museum businesses. No photos for this review because it is not, hm, allowed... Not...