Main Hall (Kondo) - Horyuji Temple / SPEEDBUILD

The Kondo, or Main Hall, at Horyuji Temple is the world’s oldest extant wooden structure and enshrines the temple’s most important treasures. It and the Five-storied Pagoda form the centerpiece of the temple’s Western Precinct. The artworks in the Main Hall include three canopies hanging from the ceiling adorned with phoenixes and celestial beings holding musical instruments from Central Asia. A seated statue of Shaka Nyorai (Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha), which was built in the likeness of Shotoku Taishi, is located under the central canopy is and flanked by two attendants.