Sennen-ji, Buddhist temple in Kire, Japan
Sennen-ji is a Buddhist temple composed of multiple prayer halls and structures arranged across its grounds. The central Kannon-do hall holds a principal statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and forms the focus of devotional activity at the site.
The temple traces its origins to the 7th century when fishermen discovered a Kannon statue in the waters nearby. A village leader named Haji no Nakatomo then converted his own residence into a sacred place to house and care for the statue.
The temple serves as a focal point for Buddhist worship where visitors and locals gather to offer prayers to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva during important occasions. These gatherings shape how the surrounding community marks its spiritual calendar.
The temple welcomes visitors throughout the year and is particularly busy during Hatsumode, a period when many people make their first temple visit of the new year. Visitors should dress respectfully and follow basic temple etiquette when exploring the grounds.
The original Kannon statue that inspired the temple's creation remains hidden from public view within the temple's inner sanctum. This decision to conceal the sacred sculpture has been maintained for over 1,300 years, making it one of the few major Buddhist temples in Japan where the principal object of devotion is never displayed.
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