Soshi-dō, the Founder’s Hall
The Soshi-dō or Founders’ Hall was built in 1605 by Gien, the abbot of Daigo-ji at that time and principal agent behind the large reconstruction program of the 16th century. He dedicated the hall to the two founders, whose statues are enshrined within: Kūkai and Shōbō. Fundamentally, the founder’s and patriarch’s halls are one of the most important halls within a temple complex in Shingon Buddhism, playing a major role in the religious life of monks and nuns. The Soshi-dō in Daigo-ji is no exception. As Kūkai is ranked senior to the founding father of the temple Shōbō, it is Kūkai’s birthday that is annually commemorated with a religious ceremony on the 15th of June.