Meikai Golden Temple

Meikai Golden Temple [沒界劲方; めいかいあんぼら] is a temple located in the city of Meikai in Shinkō Prefecture. It is one of the most frequently-visited temples in Kanton, attracting millions of visitors each year. In 1934, the building was designated a National Treasure due to its significant historical, religious and cultural importance. The adjacent grounds, known as the Golden Temple Gardens, are open to the public.
The temple was originally built as a communal, underground crypt for deceased chiefs of the clans of Shinkō Prefecture, housing hundreds of shrines and nendo dedicated to them. However, after the death of Emperor Usan in 1282, the temple was heavily refurbished in order to hold his tomb. Along with the Emperor's burial coffin, the numerous graves of earlier rulers were brought above ground and placed throughout the new building.
The Golden Temple earns its name from the decorative gold leaf covering its inner walls, most noticeable in the hall of worship. The temple also includes a small water garden with a traditional fountain which offers a peaceful atmosphere. In recent years, due to a high concentration of visitors, tickets for the garden must be purchased ahead of time.
In 1913, the temple suffered fire damage after an attack from factory workers who were protesting against poor wages. The event was viewed as extremely shocking, especially due to the building's religious and honorific significance.
Category:Temples