Nishi Hongan-ji (西本願寺 Nishi Hongan-ji ) or the "Western Temple of the Original Vow", is one of two temple complexes of Jodo Shinshu in Kyoto, the other being Higashi Honganji (or "The Eastern Temple of the Original Vow"). Today it serves as the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu organization.[1]
Nishi Honganji was established in 1602 by the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu when he split the main Honganji in Kyoto in two (Higashi Honganji being the other) in order to diminish its power.[1]
Nishi Hongangi is located on Horikawa St. west of Higashi Honganji temple. It is older than the latter and has more integral architecture.[1] It is also listed as one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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