main hall (of a Buddhist temple)
Refers specifically to the central building of a Buddhist temple where the principal image is enshrined and ceremonies are held. Not used for Shinto shrines or other religious buildings.
観光客はまず本堂にお参りした。
The tourists first visited the main hall to pray.
その寺の本堂は江戸時代に建てられた。
The temple's main hall was built in the Edo period.
They rebuilt the main hall that had burned down in a fire.
A memorial service was held in the temple's main hall.
Tourists are worshiping at the main hall.