![]() ![]() ![]() Wow! That means I was standing at the entrance of the paradise (lol). If this torii is the East Gate to the Gokuraku-jōdo, that means the western side of the torii, behind where I stood is the Buddhist paradise. This, everyone, is the first of the Seven Wonders. The words in the frame hung in the center of the torii gate reads “This is the East Gate to the Gokuraku-jōdo (Buddhist paradise,) where Gautama Buddha preaches.” Who knows what the truth is, but what we know for fact is that this stone torii is one of Japan’s Three Great Torii and is the oldest of all torii that exist today. Today, theories around this torii include claims that there is a shrine hidden inside of the temple and that it was actually not a Buddhist temple but ancient Sun Worship. Interestingly, this situation did not even pose a question before the Meiji Period (1868 – 1912 CE) because Shinto gods and Buddha were thought to be very close. Various theories exist around this stone torii at Shitennoji Temple. ![]() Why is there a torii at a temple? You’re right, torii gates are usually found at Shinto shrines and Shitennoji is a Buddhist temple. In about 5-minute walk from the station, you arrive at Nishimon Ishinotorii, the stone torii gate on the western side of the temple. Shitennoji Temple is located near Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line’s Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station. East Gate to the Gokuraku-jōdo & Pon Pon Stone.The stone carvers possibly used some sculpturing techniques as well. It appears that the design and the creation of the patterns took place under the influence of the social status in Iran in the 8th century.Īrcheological experts believe that the most advanced techniques of the time were used for stone carving using steel.Ĭhoosing the best location for constructing the temple, from among other spots in the region, is indicative of the builder’s deep knowledge of geology. Three niches have been carved in the heart of rocks in the western and eastern sections of the temple, which are decorated with beautiful ornamented vaultings (Muqarnas) and distinctive Persian patterns featuring different designs. All the features in their entirety have turned the Dashkasan Temple into an unparalleled work of architecture. The temple is comprised of several ancient porches and areas, with reliefs seen all over the site. ![]() With the entry of the Ilkanate to Iran, however, it took on a positive sense in the Iranian culture and turned into a symbol of the good, blessings and a lasting government, like an ever-vigilant guardian. In Iranian literature, the dragon used to be a symbol of repression and cruelty. The reliefs are five meters in length and 1.5 meters in width and have been created by a Chinses artist. Even the area surrounding the temple is referred to as China in Iran! The most important feature is the two dragon reliefs, which sit across from one another in harmony and catch the attention of those interested in different architecture styles.Īt first sight, some of the tourists think it is a Chinese temple. The temple is one of the most spectacular rock-cut sculptures in Iran. There are, however, no traffic signs along the road and you’d better get help from the locals. This temple is one of the landmarks of Soltaniyeh, which is located about 15 kilometers northeast of the city and around five kilometers from the village of Viyar.Ī straight unpaved road connects the village to the temple and you can easily reach the site in usual cars. Besides the reliefs, other ornaments in the temple were also created during the Ilkhanate era. The major characteristic of the temple is the same reliefs of two dragons, created during the Ilkhanate era. Apart from that, no other trace has remained in the temple. Some archeologists, however, believe the temple had been built in the Sassanid era and served as a temple for followers of the Mithraism religion. The construction began following the death of Arghun Khan, a ruler of the Mongol empire, but it has unfortunately remained incomplete. The temple dates back to the Ilkhanate era ( Read more). The plan of the temple is rectangular with a length of 400 and a width varying from 300 to 50 meters. Inside the Dragon Temple, reliefs of two dragons, usually used in the Chinse architecture, stand out. ![]()
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