Monju-ro (Important Cultural Property)

Monju-ro stands on a ridge above the Konpon Chudo on Mt. Hiei, reached by a long flight of stone steps. The tower is dedicated to Monju Bodhisattva, the figure of wisdom, and is used for a specific form of Tendai Buddhist practice in which monks meditate in the full lotus position for 90 consecutive days without rest. Construction began in 861 under the monk Ennin, who modeled it on a Manjushri worship hall he had visited on Mt. Wutai in China. Sacred stones from that Chinese mountain were buried in five directions around the altar. Students and exam candidates often visit to pray for academic success.