A smaller temple affiliated with a main temple. Rare term; mainly used in Buddhist contexts.
This sub-temple is under the administration of the head temple.
本山 is the main temple, while 子院 is a subordinate branch temple.
末寺 is a more common term for a branch temple; 子院 is rarer and may imply a closer parent-child relationship.
Most common kanji form for 'sub-temple'.
Alternate kanji form, less common.
Rare alternate kanji form.
Compound of 子 (child, subsidiary) and 院 (temple, institution). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji suggest a 'child temple' relationship.