Reiko-Ji is the only remaining temple building in Tachikue Gorge. When the area was a stronghold of Shugendo there were many more.
The large Owaraji (straw sandals) are a common offering at temples and shrines, but as far as I can remember this is the only shimenawa I've seen adorning a temple building. I've been unable to find out why.
In 852 a monk discovered a statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the healing buddha, on the back of a giant blue turtle. He removed the statue and placed it in a nearby cave. The Emperor, on hearing the story, founded the temple, so it was probably a Shingon temple originally.
Now it belongs to the Soto Zen sect. Home to more than 1,500 statues, Tachikue Gorge is located 8k south of Izumo City on the Kando River
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Great story and fantastic photos
ReplyDeletethanks!
It is interesting to see Swastika [photo #3]
ReplyDeleteI guess it remains widely used in religions such as Buddhism.
on a map it is the symbol for a temple.
ReplyDeletehello, i love your style of photos.it is very refreshing to see those common things here in japan turned into something more beautiful and more meaningful with you magic! i got your beautiful site linked to facebook if you dont mind.take care.
ReplyDeleteCan a foreign tourist have a japanese tea ceremony in reiko-ji temple?
ReplyDelete