Kukai-Linked Sacred Hall on Miyajima Burns Down

Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Pref., May 20 (Jiji Press)--A hall linked to Buddhist saint Kukai (774-835) on Miyajima Island in the city of Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, burned to the ground Wednesday, local police and firefighters said.

Firefighters received around 8:30 a.m. an emergency call saying there was a fire at the Reikado hall, which belongs to Daishoin, a main temple of the Omuro School of Shingon Buddhism, and was founded in 806 by Kukai, also known as Kobo Daishi.

A hut near the hall burned down as well. Areas totaling about 30 square meters were burned.

Flames later spread into nearby woodland on the island, but were brought under control shortly after 10:30 a.m. No injuries have been confirmed.

Located near the summit of Mount Misen, Reikado houses the "eternal flame," which the temple says has been burning for nearly 1,200 years since Kukai started the fire for a "goma" prayer as a monk.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]