Muryokoin Temple Remains in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture is a special historic site in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture. Muryokoin Temple was established by Hidehira Fujiwara, the 3rd generation of Oshu Fujiwara family in the 12th century. There is no building here now, but according to the historical book called Azuma Kagami compiled by the Kamakura Shogunate, Muryokoin Temple was modeled on the Phoenix Hall of Byodoin Temple in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, and based on excavation and investigation of this site in 1952, we came to know that the shape of the Buddha Hall of Muryokoin Temple resembles that of the Phoenix Hall of Byodoin Temple. In the Heian period, about 1,200 years ago, people including children said that those who doubt Amida’s Pure Land shall visit the Phoenix Hall of Byodoin in Uji, Kyoto.
In the same way, Muryokoin Temple was also considered as representing Amida’s Pure Land. Both temples, Muryokoin Temple and Byodoin Temple, were dedicated to Amitabha Tathagata who believed that there was Pure Land in the West.
Around the week of the spring equinox and around the week of the autumn equinox, the setting sun is aligned with Mt. Kinseizan which is just behind Muryokoin Temple. Hidehira Fujiwara created this beautiful landscape which the Amida Hall silhouetted against the setting sun and this was based on his desire to express the Pure Land in this world.
There is no building in this site, but you can feel and imagine old days in the Heian period and the Pure Land.
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