By KUNIHIKO IMAI/ Staff Writer
March 13, 2023 at 15:48 JST
Torches light up Nigatsudo hall of Todaiji temple in Nara on March 12. (Nobuhiro Shirai)
NARA--Large torches showered sparks from the balcony of Todaiji temple here on March 12 as Buddhist monks offered prayers in the annual “Shunie” ceremony that dates back centuries.
During the two-week ritual, which began on March 1 at Nigatsudo hall of the temple, 11 monks ask for forgiveness for sins people commit and pray for rich harvests and world peace.
Also known as “Omizutori,” the ceremony heralding the arrival of spring started in the eighth century.
Extra-large 60-kilogram torches were brought in ahead of the climax of the ceremony, when sacred water is drawn from the well near the hall.
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