Kiyomizu Temple
Over the New Year we visited the nearby Kiyomizu Temple. Recently rebuilt, it not as impressive as the one in Kyoto (of the same name), but we came for a different reason, as did hordes of other people. I only got rough idea of the history and have since forgotten most of that. Over 1200 years ago some holy lightning appeared above a mountain. A temple was built at the site to venerate the god(dess) of mercy; bodhisattva Kannon. During the Edo period the temple was enlarged under Lord Matsudaira. There has been a history of fires, hence the reconstruction. It forms part of the Chūgoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.
This is interesting. The Kyoto temple is 1200 years old. Do you know which came first? Are they related, or are the names just a coincidence? Where are you in Chigoku? I’m in Hiroshima.
Comment by Matt — January 31, 2008 @ 2:13 pm
I am particularly sieve-headed of late. Didn’t the one in Kyoto survive a few earthquakes? I should go back when the sakura is out. There is a sign in English but I couldn’t manage to give it a proper read; little unsure on the numbers but there or there abouts.
Here is the temple. We live in Yonago.
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Incidentally, I’m travelling down to Hiroshima this weekend (despite the forecast of snow).
Comment by adekun — January 31, 2008 @ 2:37 pm
Thanks for the pic and note. I visited several lovely temples in Laos in December, and hope to visit Japan next year.
Comment by Nicole — January 31, 2008 @ 9:14 pm
I enjoyed this post and thanks for the view of the Temple. I wandered into your space and glad that I did.
Comment by Princess Haiku — March 29, 2008 @ 1:12 pm