Todaiji Temple lit up with torches in annual rite

NARA, Japan - Nigatsudo Hall at Todaiji Temple in Nara is lit up with torches as part of the annual ''omizutori'' (water drawing) rite on March 12. The rite symbolizes the arrival of spring. Shuni-e, or the ceremony of the second month, as omizutori is formally known, has been performed without interruption since 752 A.D., the year the Great Buddha at Todaiji was cast.

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2008/3/12 00:00:00

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(1)'Omizutori' rite at Todaiji Temple heralds arrival of spring

NARA, Japan - The verandah of the Nigatsudo Hall of Todaiji Temple in Nara is lit up with torches waved by monks in the annual ''omizutori (water drawing)'' rite March 1. The classical rite in the ancient capital Nara symbolizes the arrival of spring.

(2)'Omizutori' rite at Todaiji Temple heralds arrival of spring

NARA, Japan - Sparks from torches waved by monks are scattered around at the verandah of the Nigatsudo Hall of the Todaiji Temple in Nara in the annual ''omizutori (water drawing)'' rite March 1. The classical rite in the ancient capital Nara symbolizes the arrival of spring.

'Omizutori' rite heralds arrival of spring

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