Translation guide
The main or central temple of a Buddhist sect or a temple complex.
The head temple that oversees other branch temples within a particular Buddhist denomination.
The central or most important building in a temple compound, often housing the principal image.
この宗派の本山は京都にあります。
The head temple of this sect is in Kyoto.
Refers to the supreme head temple, often the founding temple of a sect, with higher authority than a regular 本山.
総本山には多くの参拝者が訪れます。
Many worshippers visit the supreme head temple.
A grand head temple, often used for historically significant or large head temples within a sect.
その大本山は国宝に指定されています。
That grand head temple is designated as a national treasure.
The main hall of a temple, where the principal object of worship is enshrined. Not necessarily the administrative head, but the central building.
本堂でお経をあげました。
We chanted sutras in the main hall.
A specific type of main hall, literally 'golden hall', often found in older temple complexes like Horyuji.
法隆寺の金堂は世界最古の木造建築です。
The golden hall of Horyuji is the world's oldest wooden building.