Honenji Temple
Main Image Reclining Shaka Nyorai and Three-Dimensional Nirvana Group Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
Impression TagsSolemnityDepthMystery
DescriptionAt Sanbutsudo Hall of Honenji, the family temple of the Matsudaira lords of Takamatsu, a remarkable group of sculptures depicts the passing of Shakyamuni Buddha into nirvana. Centered on the wooden reclining Buddha known as the 'Reclining Buddha of Sanuki,' the scene includes the Ten Great Disciples, arhats, animals, and Maya, the Buddha's mother, descending from above, recreating a nirvana painting in three dimensions. The temple was developed in the 17th century by the first lord, Matsudaira Yorishige, as a place of Pure Land devotion. The sculptures are said to have been made to memorialize his wife. After a traveling museum exhibition, the complete group has been viewable again since December 2025. Hall admission is 9:00–16:00, ¥500 for adults.
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