February 14, 2008
Love Stones in Kiyomizudera (清水寺）
Since it's Valentine's Day today, I thought it apt to put up this blog entry about two love stones in Kiyomizudera (清水寺), a temple which is a Unesco World Heritage listed site located in the eastern Kyoto region of Higashiyama. The temple sits on a hill and it offers a gorgeous view of the city from up there.
There are many shrines in the temple, one of which is the Jishu-jinja, dedicated to the Okuninushino-Mikoto, a god of love. At Jishu-jinja there is a pair of 'love stones' which are placed 18 metres apart. It is said that if you are able to walk from one to the other with your eyes close, you will be able to find love. If you're only able to reach the other stone with someone's help, it follows that you'll require some help in finding love.
I'm not a superstitious person, so I didn't even bother trying it (moreover it was raining and the ground was slippery). With my hitherto (bad) luck with men, I doubt crossing from one stone to the other would do much help when I've already traversed continents – all in vain may I add!
One of the love stones
Ladies, hidden under their umbrellas, praying for their Prince Charming to appear in their lives soon. Just awhile before this photo was taken, one of the ladies in this photo was jumping with excitement and delight as she had probably picked an amulet which had indicated that she would meet the man of her dreams soon.
The other love stone
Explanation of the love stone
Amulets for 'Good Marriage', 'Deepen Love', 'More Chance For Love', 'Find Love', 'Bind Your Love Tightly', and 'For Conception'.
Or you could buy one of these wooden plaques and write your wish for your love life behind. The person in green holding the white sack with the word 緣 (meaning 'fate') is the god of love and the rabbit is his messenger. Hence in Japanese culture, the rabbit is usually associated with love.
No, I didn't add to the hundreds of wooden plaques already hanging up there.
Had no idea what the words at the side of this plaque meant, but I thought the drawing was so cute that I couldn't resist taking a photo of it.
Happy Valentine's!
Happy Valentine's Day to you too.. DSD ..:)
It says "I really like Yoko-kun. I really hope our love goes smoothly" Loose translation. It's a girl's prayer for a happy, successful relationship with her boyfriend.
Posted by: BP at February 18, 2008 7:48 PM