Taimadera Temple located in Taima, Katsuragi City, Nara Pref. is a rare type of temple that belongs to both the Shingon sect and the Jodo sect. The principal object of worship is the Taima Mandala (the depicted paradise of Amida). This is the 11th temple of the Shin-Saigoku 33 Pilgrimage Temples.
It is said that the temple originates in Manpozoin Zenrinji Temple, which was founded in Kawachi province (present-day Osaka) in 612 by the Imperial Prince Maroko, a brother of Prince Shotoku. It was moved to the present location in 681 by Taima no Kunimi, a grandson of Prince Maroko. Since then it had been a family temple of the Taima clan.
Taima Temple first belonged to the Sanron sect, an ancient Buddhist school. Later in the Heian period (794-1192), when Kobodaishi Kukai stayed here and trained himself at this temple, it was converted to a Shingon sect temple. Then in the Kamakura period (1192-1333), with the spread of Jodo Buddhism, it belonged to the Jodo sect as well. Since then the temple has belonged to the both sects.
The temple is famous for the original Taima Mandala woven by Lady Chujo and peony flowers. This is the holy place where visitors can feel the benevolence of Buddha.