"F"ierce Dragon

This fierce looking dragon was photographed at Korinji temple (広琳寺) in Utsunomiya city. Wherever I visit shrines and temples, I find myself photographing it... Probably, I am fascinated by the dragon.

This is a Outdoor Wednesday, Watery Wednesday, and ABC Wednesday entries. "F" is for "fierce" and "fascinated".

               

Dragon

Shinto religion is strict and abhorrent of the status called "Kegare (穢れ)". After passing the entrance gate of a shrine, you are supposed to purify yourself at the "water ablution pavilion" named Temizuya (手水舎). With a sacred water running at the Temizuya, you wash your hands and rinse out your mouth. You can find a variety of animal statues "spitting" sacred water. Dragon is one of the common animals you can find at Temizuya since the dragon is regarded as a Suijin - water deity- (水神).

It looks a bit evil, but don't worry, the dragon will not bite your hands!

This is a Black and White Weekend, Shadow Shot Sunday #141.

            

Have a wonderful weekend.

"V"isiting A Shrine At Night

Vertical dragon supplying water for visitors at Futaarayama Shrine in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture. The shrine was deserted when I visited there.


This is a Outdoor Wednesday, Watery Wednesday, Black and White Wednesday, and ABC Wednesday entry. V is for visit and more.