礼れい堂どう

noun

small worship/sutra-chanting hall in front of a Buddhist main hall

A specific architectural term for a small building used for worship or sutra chanting, located in front of the main hall (本堂) of a Buddhist temple. Not a general term for a chapel or prayer room.

• その古ふるい寺てらの礼れい堂どうには、美うつくしい仏ぶつ像ぞうが安あん置ちされている。

  In the worship hall of that old temple, a beautiful Buddha statue is enshrined.

• 参さん拝ぱい者しゃはまず礼れい堂どうでお経きょうを唱となえてから本ほん堂どうへ向むかう。

  Worshippers first chant sutras in the small hall before proceeding to the main hall.