Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Adashino-Nembutsu-ji Temple: Stones for the Dead



I'm backtracking a bit, but today's post will be right before I saw the neighborhood matsuri in Arashiyama. Adashino-Nembutsu-ji Temple is tucked away towards the end of the Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street and is famous for its thousands of stone statues that were placed by Kobo Daishi, a famous monk, for the souls of the dead who didn't have any kin to remember them. Every August 23rd and 24th, a ceremony is held at night for the spirits of the dead and all of the statues are lit up with candles in what I can only imagine to be a breathtaking and powerful moment. If you're in the area around that time, please visit this place! Even without the ceremony, the hundreds of statues still leave a powerful impression. 














Thank you so much for reading and I hope you all have a wonderful week! :)

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