A Temple of 1,001 Statues and Endless History

The Amazing Sanjusangen-Do

In Kyoto, Japan, there is a temple called Rengeo-in, more famously known as Sanjusangen-do. The main hall is huge—it stretches about 394 feet (120 meters) wide, making it one of the longest wooden buildings in the world. The name “Sanjusangen-do” comes from the fact that the hall’s eastern side has 34 columns, with 33 spaces (or “bays”) between them.

When you step inside, the view is breathtaking. “In the grand hall, visitors are overwhelmed by the sight of 1,001 statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon standing in rows.” At the very center sits the main statue of the Thousand-Armed Kannon, a national treasure. It is about 11 feet (335 cm) tall, and including its base and halo, it rises to nearly 23 feet (7 meters). Surrounding it are the powerful statues of the 28 Guardian Deities, protectors of Buddhist law, full of life and energy.

The temple’s history is just as dramatic. It was first built in 1164 by Emperor Go-Shirakawa, but after a fire destroyed it in 1249, Emperor Go-Saga rebuilt it. Because of this, Sanjusangen-do now holds both Heian period (noble culture) and Kamakura period (samurai culture) styles. “This fusion of elegance and strength is considered one of the highest achievements of Japanese art.”

The statues also reflect this mix. The Heian-period Buddhas look gentle, rounded, and graceful, while the Kamakura-period guardians appear bold, strong, and almost alive. Some of the Kamakura statues even use crystal eyes called “gyokugan”, making their gaze look real—like modern contact lenses!

In 2018, all 1,001 statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon were officially designated as National Treasures of Japan, along with the guardian deities and the statues of the Wind God and Thunder God. This followed a massive 45-year restoration project that began in 1973.

Kyoto Sanjusangendo Gains National Treasure Status | JAPAN Forward

Mr. Goto, a temple guide, explained: “When introducing the Buddhas of Sanjusangen-do, I often describe them as a contrast of ‘stillness and movement.’ The rows of quiet Kannon statues represent stillness, while the lifelike guardian deities seem ready to leap forward, showing movement. Together, they remind us of a mother’s kindness and a father’s strictness.”

The temple also teaches us about cultural preservation. Instead of replacing damaged gold leaf or repainting statues to look new, caretakers carefully clean and maintain them, leaving the natural aging and wear to tell their own story. As Mr. Goto said: “Cultural heritage must be preserved as it is, so that future generations can feel its history and spirit.”

Visitors are encouraged to use their imagination when they see the hall. “The words handed down are: ‘Do not listen to the Buddha’s thoughts with your ears. Listen with your heart.’”

I think Sanjusangen-do is not just a temple—it’s like a living museum of Japanese history and art. The fact that people worked for centuries to preserve it shows how much they value their culture. I like the idea that each person who visits might see something different, depending on their own heart and imagination. If I ever get the chance, I would love to stand in front of the 1,001 statues and see what they “say” to me.

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