Sōrin-ji, Buddhist temple in Higashiyama-ku, Japan.
Sorin-ji is a Buddhist temple located in the Shimogawara district with traditional wooden structures, curved roofs, and complex bracket systems that support extended eaves. The temple houses multiple sacred spaces and features a purification fountain at the entrance for visitor use.
The temple was founded in 805 by the Buddhist monk Saichō, who established the Tendai school of Buddhism in Japan. This founding moment shaped the temple's religious purpose and traditions.
The temple serves as one station on the Kyoto Twelve Yakushi Pilgrimage, drawing visitors who travel between different sites dedicated to the Buddha of Healing. This pilgrimage tradition connects believers across the city in search of spiritual relief and blessing.
Visitors should dress respectfully and use the purification fountain before entering, as this is part of traditional temple etiquette. The grounds are relatively flat and accessible, though comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around the compound.
The temple houses precious Buddhist artifacts and statues, including images of Yakushi Nyorai that visitors encounter while exploring the grounds. These works display masterful carving and artistic detail accumulated over centuries.
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