Since I visited on a weekday, there were not many people and the atmosphere was solemn and quiet.
Apparently it was founded in 612 by Prince Maroko, Prince Shotoku's younger brother.
Later, his grandson Taima Kunimi built it on this site.
It seems to be the only Tenpyo building in Japan with two three-storied pagodas lined up on the east and west sides.
The main hall, which is a national treasure, is also called the Mandala Hall, and its principal image is the Taima Mandala, which is said to have been created by Princess Chujo, the daughter of the Minister of the Right, Fujiwara Toyonari, weaving the Western Pure Land with lotus thread.
Taima-dera Temple has many cultural properties, and admission fees are required at many places.
Also known as the Peony Temple, peonies bloom at each subtemple around late April.
