🗺️ Danjō Garan

Standing at an elevation of 900 meters, the headquarters of the Shingon sect, Koyasan Kongobu-ji, is a significant site. When Kobo Daishi established Koyasan, the first place he began was the "Danjo Garan." The term "Garan" means "a place where monks gather for quiet meditation," and it is known alongside the "Okunoin," where Kobo Daishi rests, as one of the two major sacred sites and the center of faith for Koyasan. In 2015, 1200 years after the founding of Koyasan, a new main gate was constructed in front of the "Kondō," which enshrines the secret teachings of Yakushi Nyorai and serves as the main hall for all of Koyasan. Within the temple grounds stands a 48.5-meter tall pagoda, known for its striking vermilion color, which is said to be the first pagoda in Japan built in the style of a tahōtō (two-storied pagoda), called the "Konpon Daitō." Along with the "Mikaido," which faces the Konpon Daitō, there are nine other pagodas and halls, including the "Nishitō," that collectively present a three-dimensional representation of the mandala worldview based on esoteric Buddhist thought. Each hall was constructed with rich symbolism; for instance, the right shoulder of the Buddha statue in the Kondō faces a specific direction, and the correct way to pay respects is to worship in a clockwise direction.

Alongside "Okunoin," it is one of the two major sacred sites of Mount Koya. The pagoda and halls showcase a mandala world based on esoteric Buddhist thought. The vermilion-painted "Konpon Daito" is a symbol of Mount Koya. The term "Danjō Garan" means "a place where monks gather for quiet meditation."