Drink to fulfill wishes and for a healthy long-life
The Otowa Springs is set on the grounds of the Kiyomezu-dera Temple, just wander. The history of the temple began with the Otowa Spring in 788 AD. According to the sign, and the legend, any wishes you pray for here can come true. Some even believe that each of the 3 branches of the spring has its own meaning, such as health, love, wealth, intelligence (that's four!). To the temple at least, all water share the same meaning. How are the wishes fulfilled? Visitors are to drink the spring the water while praying. The Kannon (or God or Goddess) has 11 faces to listen to people's prayers and troubles, 33 appearances to morph into and 1000 hands to save people. I'm reminded of the 1000-hand bodhisattva, Guanyin or Goddess of Mercy that my family prays to.
You can even get a special wishing bowl and bring home the blessings.
I'm impressed that they have such facilities.
Leaving the grounds of the Temple
Kiyomezu-dera, the Jishu Shrine and the Otowa Spring - what a great day-trip off Gion.
More pictures are available on my Flickr (simply click any photo).
Otowa Spring
Cost: free
Access: Near Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Related Posts:
Japan Day 7 – Kyoto, Day 2:
- Check out and deposit luggage at reception
- Using the Kyoto City Pass One-Day Pass
- Train to Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Toji Temple
- Kyoto, Japan: Going Green in Gion
- Kyoto, Japan: Gion District
- Kyoto, Japan: Gion’s Shirakawa Street
- Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Jishu Shrine & Otowa Spring
- Ginkakuji Temple
- Making More Offerings and Getting your Fortunes Told in Kyoto
- Train to Osaka
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