Kiyomizu Temple
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The clear water temple, commonly known as Kiyomizudera, is the main temple of the Hosso sect of Buddhism.
The temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times in the last twelve centuries. History tells us that the temple was originally created in 778 by Enchin, a Buddhist priest, in honor of the Kannon Bosatsu (Bodhisattva of Mercy and Compassion).
In one of the halls in the temple a set of footprints of the Buddha can be seen. It is believed that if one looks at the footprints all their sins are forgiven.
The Hondo or the main hall is the major attraction of Kiyomizudera.
The hall holds as many as 30 paintings donated by tradesmen in 1633 during the rebuilding of the temple.
There is an image with eleven faces and a thousand arms, which is said to have been carved by Enchin. This image is put on show every thirty-three years, so, since it was last shown in 1977, one has to wait till 2010 to see the image once again.
Kiyomizudera covers an area of 130,000 square meters and a guided tour takes about 40 minutes. The cost of admission is 300 yen.
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