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Engaku-ji was the family temple for the second [[Sho Dynasty|Shô Dynasty]], and the head temple of [[Rinzai Zen]] in [[Ryukyu Kingdom|Ryûkyû]]. Established in [[1492]] and constructed over the next three years, it was located just north of [[Shuri Castle]], just outside the castle walls. Designated a [[National Treasure]] in 1933, the temple was destroyed in the 1945 Battle of Okinawa, and today only the gates of the temple have been rebuilt.

Engaku-ji was the family temple for the second [[Sho Dynasty|Shô Dynasty]], and the head temple of [[Rinzai Zen]] in [[Ryukyu Kingdom|Ryûkyû]]. Established in [[1492]] and constructed over the next three years, it was located just north of [[Shuri Castle]], just outside the castle walls. Designated a [[National Treasure]] in 1933, the temple was destroyed in the 1945 Battle of Okinawa, and today only the gates of the temple have been rebuilt.

The temple was founded by King [[Sho Shin|Shô Shin]] in order to enshrine the spirit of his father, King [[Sho En|Shô En]]. The Zen master [[Kaiin]] of [[Nanzenji]] served as the first abbot of Engaku-ji, which he named after and based on the [[Zen]] temple [[Engakuji]] in [[Kamakura]]. A temple bell which was to become much celebrated was cast in [[1496]].

The temple was founded by King [[Sho Shin|Shô Shin]] in order to enshrine the spirit of his father, King [[Sho En|Shô En]]. The Zen master [[Kaiin]] of [[Nanzenji]] served as the first abbot of Engaku-ji, which he named after and based on the [[Zen]] temple [[Engakuji]] in [[Kamakura]]. A temple bell which was to become much celebrated was cast in [[1496]]. The 1.9 ton bell was recast in [[1697]].<ref>Gallery label, [[Okinawa Prefectural Museum]], August 2013.</ref>

Three main gates faced west, towards the Enkanchi (Enkan Pond) and [[Bentendo|Benten-dô]] ([[Benten]] Hall). Beyond them, a small pond known as Hôjô-chi was spanned by a small stone bridge called Hôjô-kyô, built in 1496. This path, from the central gate and across the bridge, led directly to the inner temple gate, and then to the main plaza, or ''[[garan]]'', of the temple, including a Buddha Hall (''butsuden''), bell tower, Great Hall (''ôdono''), and Oshôdô<!--御照堂-->, now gone. Many of these buildings were repaired or renovated over the years, especially in the 1580s-90s and the late 17th century. After the Great Hall burnt down in [[1721]], it was rebuilt and renamed the Ryûenden<!--龍淵殿-->.<ref>''Earth Exhibit of Ryukyu Kingdom''. Ryûfûan Hawaii. 2010. p12.</ref>

Three main gates faced west, towards the Enkanchi (Enkan Pond) and [[Bentendo|Benten-dô]] ([[Benten]] Hall). Beyond them, a small pond known as Hôjô-chi was spanned by a small stone bridge called Hôjô-kyô, built in 1496. This path, from the central gate and across the bridge, led directly to the inner temple gate, and then to the main plaza, or ''[[garan]]'', of the temple, including a Buddha Hall (''butsuden''), bell tower, Great Hall (''ôdono''), and Oshôdô<!--御照堂-->, now gone. Many of these buildings were repaired or renovated over the years, especially in the 1580s-90s and the late 17th century. After the Great Hall burnt down in [[1721]], it was rebuilt and renamed the Ryûenden<!--龍淵殿-->.<ref>''Earth Exhibit of Ryukyu Kingdom''. Ryûfûan Hawaii. 2010. p12.</ref>