Adjacent to the Miyajima shrine Daiganji-temple (大願寺) is located. The temple is also known as Kikyozan Hohkoin (亀居山放光院). It belongs to Mt. Koya Shingon school (高野山真言宗). The temple is dedicated to Benzaiten (弁財天), which was transferred from Itsukushima shrine after the Meiji restoration.
In front of the main hall, there is a wooden statue named Pindora Bharadvaja, who was one of four Arhats asked by the Buddha to remain in the world to propagate Dharma. In Japan, he is called "Binzuru sonja (賓頭盧尊者), an abbreviation of Biodora Baradaja (賓度羅跋囉惰闍).
As you can see, the wooden statue is pretty worn out. This is due to the belief that he is reputed to have healing powers. Visitors rub a part of this effigy that corresponds to the sick or weak parts of their bodies.
Does it mean kids touching his head have problems with brain cancer???
Beautiful statue, I quite like the fact it is a little worn as it gives a sense of character. You have photographed i well and the lighting is perfect. Perhaps the kids had a headache? :)
ReplyDeleteYoshiさん こんにちは。
ReplyDelete高貴な人型のものを撫ぜて、癒されたいという気持ちは世界的に共通な思いなのでしょうか？
そういうものを 撫ぜる事が許される文化圏が私は好きです。
身近に居てくれる 犬も猫も撫ぜる事が心の癒しになるそうですね。
日本は幾分暑い夏の盛りが過ぎました。
thanks for sharing.. Iyou have captured it will. I guess the children are touching the forehead are asking for Wisdom :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful history and photo. I like the fact that it has worn away so beautifully over the years!
ReplyDelete