Kotokuin (Great Buddha Hall)

A Jodo sect temple located in Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, officially named Shojokusen-ji of Kotokuin on Mount Daii. The principal object of worship is the National Treasure bronze seated statue of Amida Nyorai, affectionately known as the Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha), standing approximately 11.3 meters tall. According to the Azuma Kagami (Chronicle of the East), construction of the Great Buddha Hall began in 1238 CE (Rekiin 1) through the efforts of the monk Juko. The casting of the bronze Amida Nyorai statue commenced around 1252 CE (Kencho 4). The Great Buddha Hall collapsed and was washed away due to violent storms in 1335 CE (Kenmu 2) and 1369 CE (Oan 2), as well as tsunamis during the Meio era. Since the Muromachi period, the statue has stood roofless as the 'open-air seated Great Buddha,' becoming a symbol of Kamakura. In the mid-Edo period, the monk Yuten上人 (Yuten Sojin) revitalized the site, restoring it as the current Jodo sect temple.