A fire destroyed Reikado Hall, part of the Daishō-in Buddhist temple complex on Miyajima Island, on Thursday [1].
The loss of the hall represents a significant blow to the cultural and spiritual landscape of the Hiroshima prefecture, as the structure housed a flame of immense historical importance.
Fire officials said the blaze was extinguished on Thursday by about 30 firefighters [1]. The hall is located near Mount Misen, a site of deep religious significance [2]. While the building was lost, the eternal flame inside was saved.
Spiritual leaders said the flame had been continuously lit for more than 1,200 years [3]. This estimate varies slightly across reports, with some sources stating it had burned for more than 1,000 years [1]. Following the blaze, the flame was salvaged and moved to a different site [3].
Authorities are currently investigating the origin of the fire. According to the BBC, authorities said the fire may have been caused by the flame itself [4].
The Daishō-in temple complex is one of the most prominent Buddhist sites on the island. The destruction of Reikado Hall marks a rare instance of such a total loss for a structure specifically dedicated to the preservation of the eternal flame.
“The blaze was extinguished on Thursday by about 30 firefighters.”
The destruction of Reikado Hall highlights the inherent tension in preserving ancient spiritual traditions within flammable wooden architecture. While the physical structure is lost, the relocation of the flame ensures the continuity of a millennium-old ritual, shifting the site's significance from a fixed architectural landmark to a portable spiritual legacy.
