[8K VR180] [VR180] Immersive Visit – Menuma Shodenzan Seiten-dō, Japan’s National Treasure
Menuma Shōdenzan is located in Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture,
and is known as one of Japan’s Three Great Shōden temples. Founded at the end of the Heian period (1179) and rebuilt many times,
it has over 830 years of history and remains the center of local people’s faith. The first structure you see is the Kisōmon Gate (Kisōmon).
It is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Of the three gates along the approach to Menuma Shōdenzan,
this is the first one you pass through. Built in 1851, this gate stands over 13 meters tall
and is supported by eight pillars. The entire structure, made of keyaki (zelkova) wood,
is adorned with intricate carvings using various techniques,
showcasing the pinnacle of late Edo craftsmanship. On the east and west sides are dragons parting the waves,
and on the south and north sides are lions leaping among peony blossoms. It is a rare gabled gate with three layered gable roofs on its sides. Only four such gates remain in Japan,
and none match its scale anywhere else in the country. The Kisōmon Gate was built with donations from local residents,
whose names are inscribed on small wooden votive tablets embedded in the carvings. On either side of the gate stand statues of two of Buddhism’s Four Heavenly Kings:
Jikokuten (Guardian of the East) and Bishamonten (Vaiśravaṇa). The statue on the left is Jikokuten, protector of the eastern lands. As his name implies, Jikokuten is venerated as the deity who upholds the nation and safeguards peace. On the right is Bishamonten, guardian of the northern realm and the Dharma. Bishamonten is worshipped as the god of war who brings victory. These fierce statues are each depicted trampling a demon beneath their feet. Now, let us pass through the Kisōmon Gate and proceed onward. “Map of Bushū Menuma Shōdenzan” The second gate on the approach, the Chūmon, now comes into view. Also called the “Four-legged Gate,” it was constructed without a single nail
and, having survived early Edo-period fires, is the oldest building on Shōdenzan. Legend says many couples met here, prayed at the main hall,
and were united, making it famous as a power spot for matchmaking. Long-established eel restaurant Chiyomasu
was also the setting for a novel by the famous writer Katai Tayama. The Mizuyashiki (water pavilion)
is where visitors purify themselves before worship. Next is the third gate on the approach, the Niōmon Gate. The Niōmon Gate houses statues of the Niō (Kongōrikishi) on each side,
and its central lintel is carved with detailed floral and bird motifs. The current gate was rebuilt in 1891 after a large ginkgo tree
fell in a typhoon and destroyed the previous structure. The left Niō statue is in the “Un” form. The right Niō statue is in the “A” form. Now, let us pass through the final Niōmon Gate and head toward the main shrine. Ahead is the stone stage (Ishibutai),
used for open-air ceremonies. To the left along the approach is the Akaidō (water offering hall). In its central earthen floor lies a well,
and to the right is the Suiten-gū shrine. To the right of the Akaidō stands the Taishidō (hall of Prince Shōtoku). It was rebuilt and renovated in November 1995. Dedicated to Kōbō Daishi, it is the final (88th) temple of the Kantō 88-site pilgrimage
and the 13th station of the Hara 88-site pilgrimage. Statue of Kōbō Daishi White Elephant and White Horse The Jōkōro Incense Burner Its incense smoke is believed to dispel evil spirits and impurities,
and is said to “heal ailments” and “sharpen the mind.” At last, we arrive at the National Treasure Seidendō (Main Hall). Built by townspeople over 44 years in the mid-Edo period,
Seidendō was finally completed through their devotion. Adorned with lavish decorations reminiscent of Nikkō Tōshō-gū,
it is known as the “Nikkō of Saitama.” Now, pay the 700-yen entry fee and let us see the inner shrine. A major restoration took place over about seven years from October 2003,
and it reopened to the public in June 2011. Unlike other buildings, Seidendō’s sculptures are fully carved in relief
and finished with colored lacquer and gold leaf. This rare technique gives it a brilliantly lustrous appearance. Inner Sanctuary – South Side The finely carved reliefs here depict scenes from Chinese legends. Each column’s carving is carved in situ, not applied afterward. “The Eagle and the Monkey”
An eagle rescues a monkey swept away by rapids. The monkey represents humans ensnared by desires,
and the eagle symbolizes the gods or Buddhas. “Jurojin with Deer”
A crane below and a turtle to the left accompany him. “The Chained Monkey”
Legend says this monkey was chained to prevent nightly mischief. “Bird Quartet” “Kagome Kagome” (circle game) Playing on Stilts Squirrel and Grapes Cat and Peony The structure is supported by brackets, not pillars, beneath the floor. Side panel relief – Pheasant and Eagle Inner Sanctuary – West Side Daikoku’s rice bale and Ebisu’s sea bream The Three Lucky Gods (Hotei, Ebisu, Daikokuten) playing Go Children Playing with Hotei’s Cloth Sack Gion Festival (Bon dance) Sand play (water games) Kite Flying Inner Sanctuary – North Side “Queen Mother of the West” holding a peach Sugoroku game with Bishamonten, Kisshōten, and Benzaiten A phoenix just below the roof Beside it, a kirin (Chinese unicorn) Above: Wind god’s “frog-leg” bracket There are 31 around; Nikkō is famed for its “sleeping cat.” Center: lavish gold-leaf floral window (katōmado)
with entwined twin dragons Sumo Wrestling Snowball Fight “Shishimai” (Lion Dance) – a child making a mock face Mother and Baby Monkey We now turn right from the plaza in front of Seidendō. The Shōrō (Bell Tower)
Built in the same era as Kangiin Seidendō, it was registered as a Tangible Cultural Property in 2016. The “Meoto no Ki” (Husband-and-Wife Trees)
An elm on the left and a zelkova on the right, intertwined and supporting each other—a mystical symbol of marital unity. Left: Bentendō Hall Right: Statue of Kūkai The Tower of Peace
Erected in 1958 to commemorate the San Francisco Peace Treaty,
honor war dead, and pray for lasting world peace. This is truly a place of great interest—
please visit if you have the chance.
Experience in VR the breathtaking National Treasure “Menuma Shodenzan Shodendo.”
Enjoy the splendid carvings of this sacred site of matchmaking as you virtually join the temple’s worship path.
Menuma Shodenzan, located in Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture, is known as one of the Three Great Shoden temples of Japan and is affectionately called “Shoden-sama of Menuma.”
At its center stands the Shodendo Hall, built in the mid-Edo period and designated as the only National Treasure building in Saitama.
The entire exterior of Shodendo is adorned with elaborate and colorful carvings, said to rival even Nikko Toshogu Shrine in their magnificence.
With a history of more than 800 years, the temple grounds preserve many important cultural properties, including the Kisomon Gate with its ornate carvings and the Nakamon Gate, the oldest surviving structure.
In this VR180 video, you can pass through the three gates along the approach and experience the path to the main hall as if you were actually there.
Immerse yourself in the splendid carvings and centuries of spiritual tradition through the power of VR.
Menuma Shodenzan Official Site:
http://www.ksky.ne.jp/~shouden/cuntry.html
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ST62so8ym1fJWLfj6
You can also watch in anaglyph 3D (red-cyan glasses):
Camera: GoPro HERO10 + Max Lens Mod X 2
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