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'Omizutori' rite heralds arrival of spring

NARA, Japan - Monks wave large torches from a verandah at Todaiji Temple in Nara on March 1, scattering sparks over the crowd below in the annual ''Omizutori'' (water-drawing) rite at the temple. The monks later drew water from a nearby well and offered it to the image of the 11-faced Kannon in the Nigatsudo Hall. In the event, the monks prayed for happiness and peace.

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'Omizutori' rite heralds arrival of spring

NARA, Japan - The verandah of the Nigatsdudo Hall of the Todaiji Temple in Nara is lit up with torches waved by monks in the annual ''omizutori (water drawing)'' rite March 12. The monks go down to draw water from the nearby well to offer it to the image of the 11-faced Kannonn, the central divinity of the hall. One of the classical rites in the Kansai area, it symbolizes the arrival of spring.

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'Omizutori' rite heralds the arrival of spring

NARA, Japan - Monks wave a large torch from the verandah, sprinkling sparks over the crow below in the annual ''Omizutori (water-drawing)'' rite at the Nigatsudo Hall at Todaiji Temple in Nara on March 1. The monks come down afterwards to draw water from a nearby well and offer it to the image of the 11-faced Kannon at the Hall. Said to date from AD 752, the rite symbolizes the arrival of spring.

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Nigatsu-do,Todaiji Temple

The main building to the east of the Great Buddha of Todaiji Temple has at its main image of worship a Kannon with 11 faces. It is famous for the Shunie (spiritual exercise) conducted every March. It is also known as Omizutori , the spiritual exercise of Keka (repentance) conducted in front of the 11 faced Kannon.==Date:unknown, Place:Nara, Photo:Kusakabe Kinbei, (Credit:Nagasaki University Library/Kyodo News Images) [Cabinet Number2‐20‐0]

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'Omizutori' rite heralds the arrival of spring

NARA, Japan - Monks wave a large torch from the verandah, sprinkling sparks over the crow below in the annual ''Omizutori (water-drawing)'' rite at the Nigatsudo Hall at Todaiji Temple in Nara on March 1. The monks come down afterwards to draw water from a nearby well and offer it to the image of the 11-faced Kannon at the Hall. Said to date from AD 752, the rite symbolizes the arrival of spring.

E

'Omizutori' rite heralds arrival of spring

NARA, Japan - Monks wave large torches from a verandah at Todaiji Temple in Nara on March 1, scattering sparks over the crowd below in the annual ''Omizutori'' (water-drawing) rite at the temple. The monks later drew water from a nearby well and offered it to the image of the 11-faced Kannon in the Nigatsudo Hall. In the event, the monks prayed for happiness and peace. (Kyodo)