Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is situated in Kyoto, Japan which has remained 1 of the most well-known pilgrimage websites for worshippers since the Heian period in Japan. Kiyomizu literally means ‘pure water’ and it was named as Kiyomizu due to a waterfall within the complicated, which flows from the nearby hills. This magnificent temple consists of 15 buildings that are now preserved as Japanese cultural heritage and this area exactly where Kiyomizu temple is situated is identified as the Eastern Hills (Higashiyama).

Kiyomizu-dera, Japanese Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Japanese Temple, Image from jnto.org.au

According to the most believed theory about its founder, the temple of Kiyomizu-dera was established in the year 798 by Enchin, a Buddhist priest dedicated to the Kannon Bosatsu (Bodhisattva of Mercy and Compassion). The bodhisattva is regarded as as one particular who keeps enlightenment but he remains on earth as a guide of reaching nirvana. Till 1629 it remained as it was built but then it was destroyed due to a fire. In 1633 the structure was restored and new buildings were constructed by Lemitsu Tokugawa, the 3rd shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Hondo is the name of its major hall which is constructed in ‘stage’ style and it is specifically recognized for the tremendous scenic background. Facing the magnificent hills it has a large veranda which is standing on enormous pillars. ‘Kiyomizu Stage’ is also a massive hall which is constructed on its leading and offers splendid view below of the Kyoto city. These massive halls and their massive verandas had been built in order to accommodate the day by day enhance in the numbers of pilgrims.

Kiyomizu Dera Temple, Kyoto-Japan. Image: Natt Muangsiri
Kiyomizu Dera Temple, Kyoto-Japan. Image: Natt Muangsiri

Right beneath Hondo is a sacred waterfall which has 3 channels and the water is being fallen in a huge pond. The pilgrims believe that drinking this water grants them energy and their wishes come correct. There are many shrines as nicely in the complex .The Jishu Shrine is the most prominent which has been linked with Ōkuninushi or Shinto Deity (god of love) that has two massive stones and affixed  collectively but with a gap so it has produced a pass through. Walking in among these two stones and reaching the other stone with closed eyes implies that the pilgrim will find the companion and really like.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is specially identified for the festivals which are held in the starting of the New Year and in the course of obon in the summer time. Kiyomizu-dera Temple has also been talked about in the ancient Japanese literature and it is considered as one particular of the wonders of the planet due to its exclusive architecture.

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