Basic Information
Description
Originally founded by Emperor Saga as Kedai-ji, it was revived during the Kamakura period by the monk Honen. After being devastated again in the Onin War, it was restored and brought to prosperity during the Edo period by figures including Sanjonishi Sanetaka. The temple takes its name from its two principal images: the "Dispatching Shaka" (Shakyamuni Buddha urging sentient beings toward the Pure Land of Amida Buddha) and the "Welcoming Amida" (Amida Buddha greeting those beings upon arrival). The main gate was relocated from Fushimi Castle's medical gate. The dry landscape garden called Jakko-en is said to represent the Pure Land.
The grounds contain the graves of Suminokura Ryoi (a prominent Edo-period merchant) and Sanjo Sanetomi (a key figure in the Meiji Restoration), among others.