Gorinto
Gorinto are unique, stupa-like structures often seen at temples in Japan. As the name might imply, the gorinto has five differently shaped stones piled on top of each other. They represent the five different elements.
Originally one of the "Four Great Temples of Asuka," the ancient capitol of Japan, Daian-ji was moved to its current location in 718 following the court's move to Heijo-kyo. It is one of the Nanto Shichi Daiji (The Seven Great Temples of Nara) and the last stop on the Yamato Jusan Butsu pilgrimage. It was a huge temple complex in its Asuka days, taking up almost five city blocks. According to John Martin's Nara: A Cultural Guide, Daian-ji fell into disrepair after the capitol moved to Kyoto--it suffered severe damage from fire in the 1200's and from an earthquake in 1449. Today, only a few structures remain on a small temple grounds.
Gorinto
Gorinto are unique, stupa-like structures often seen at temples in Japan. As the name might imply, the gorinto has five differently shaped stones piled on top of each other. They represent the five different elements.
Originally one of the "Four Great Temples of Asuka," the ancient capitol of Japan, Daian-ji was moved to its current location in 718 following the court's move to Heijo-kyo. It is one of the Nanto Shichi Daiji (The Seven Great Temples of Nara) and the last stop on the Yamato Jusan Butsu pilgrimage. It was a huge temple complex in its Asuka days, taking up almost five city blocks. According to John Martin's Nara: A Cultural Guide, Daian-ji fell into disrepair after the capitol moved to Kyoto--it suffered severe damage from fire in the 1200's and from an earthquake in 1449. Today, only a few structures remain on a small temple grounds.