Sho Amidado, the Small Amida Hall of Kanjizaioin Temple
The Small Amida Hall (Sho Amidado) was located immediately adjacent to the Large Amida Hall. Both worship halls enshrined an image of Amida, the primary Buddha worshipped in Pure Land Buddhism. In the flat area between the two halls, excavations have revealed a depression that resembles a pool. Researchers speculate this pool was a Spring Hall (Izumi-dono), used for cooling in the summer, that was often seen at upper class residences.
The stone monument behind the Small Amida Hall was built in the seventeenth century and marks the grave of Lady Fujiwara no Motohira (1105–1157). The monks of Motsuji Temple conduct a festival, simulating a funeral, at this site on May 4th each year, in commemoration of Lady Fujiwara no Motohira’s death.