head priest of a temple formerly led by a sect founder; temple where a noble or imperial family member resided; head priest of Honganji
Historical Buddhist term. Refers to a temple whose head priest was traditionally a member of the imperial family or high nobility, or the priest himself. Also specifically used for the head priest of Honganji in Kyoto. Rare in modern everyday conversation.
A monzeki temple is a prestigious temple where members of the imperial family or nobility served as head priests.
Honganji in Kyoto is known as a monzeki temple.