Since the Heian Period in Japan, Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto has been one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations for believers.
Literally meaning “pure water,” Kiyomizu received its name from a waterfall inside the complex that emerges from adjacent hills. The area where Kiyomizu Temple is located is known as the Eastern Hills (Higashiyama), and this exquisite temple is made up of 15 buildings that are now preserved as Japanese cultural heritage.
The temple of Kiyomizu-dera was founded in the year 798 by Enchin, a Buddhist monk devoted to the Kannon Bosatsu (Bodhisattva of Mercy and Compassion), according to the most widely accepted theory of its creator. The bodhisattva is seen as a unique individual who maintains enlightenment, but he stays on earth to serve as a mentor for those seeking nirvana. It held up until 1629, when a fire caused it to be completely destroyed. Lemitsu Tokugawa, the third shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, completed the restoration of the structure and the construction of new buildings in 1633.
Its main hall, known as Hondo, is built in the “stage” style and is particularly renowned for its amazing scenic backdrop. Its expansive veranda, which overlooks the stunning highlands, is supported by huge pillars. The enormous hall known as “Kiyomizu Stage” is also built on its leading edge and provides a magnificent view of Kyoto below. These enormous halls and their equally enormous verandas were constructed to handle the daily increase in pilgrimage.
A holy waterfall with three channels sits directly below Hondo, and the water is pouring into a sizable pond. The pilgrims think that by consuming this water, they gain energy and can fulfill their goals. The compound contains a large number of shrines. The most notable shrine is Jishu Shrine, which has ties to the Shinto deity (god of love) known as Kuninushi. It features two large stones attached together, yet there is a gap, creating a passage. It is implied that the pilgrim will find the company he really enjoys by moving between these two stones and reaching the other stone while keeping his eyes closed.
The events that take place at the beginning of the new year and during the summer’s obon are what make Kiyomizu-dera Temple so famous. Ancient Japanese literature has also written about Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which is regarded as one of the architectural marvels of the world because of its unique design.
