2014.07.31
Worship！ Statue of Gyuanim(2/3）Well-known among Asians？Ofuna Kannon Temple
There is an increasing popularity for foreigners visiting and pay respect to the giant statue. This time we would like to introduce you to Ofuna Kannon, a famous temple particularly well-known among many Asian visitors. Why does this temple’s reputation go beyond the borders？Let’s find the answer together about this temple and other interesting places!
After departing by train from Tokyo Station, it will take takes you about half an hour to Ofuna station. After arriving at Ofuna, continue walking for approximately 5-6 minutes. You will finally reach the Ofuna Kannon Temple, which locates on the hill with a statue of Gyuanim represented as a symbol.(Kannon means Gyuanim) Asian residents who live in Japan usually go to pray respect this sacred Gyuanim at this temple. There is also increasing in numbers of foreign people who have go to pay respect.
This well-known Gyuanim Statue, so called Ofuna Kannon, was built in the official style of dressing in white during meditation.
The construction work began in 1929 and completed in 1960. The cause of the delay was due to the Asia-Pacific War,
which lead to the lack of funds and materials.
Gyuanim Statue is located on the hill. For security
consideration, it was built only the upper part from the chest onward.
The huge half-body of Gyuanim statue located on hill which provides the stairs that lead to the statue. Local children believe that the rest of the statue was buried underground. We don't know for sure if it's true. However, it makes people imagine what the full body statue would look like.
Once you get closer to the statue, you will be able to view this huge statue taller than 25 meters with a gracious full expression. Moreover, since the chest is designed specially wide, represented the generosity that bonded people's heart together. Perhaps this is one of the reason this statue is famous.
Most of the response from visitors are such as Amazing Huge! Purely White! As shown in the picture, the color of the statue is contrast with the blue sky. In spring, you can enjoy the sight of this beautiful statue with cherry blossom at the same time. You can get another touching scene in viewing this.
After entering inside the statue, you'll see a replica
scaled 1/20 of the real statue
Inside the statue, there are more than 1000 carved Bodhisattva.
The worship rituals are held twice a month
Stone Monument, which was brought from Hiroshima.
It is a monument for commemorating the victims of
atomic bomb at Hiroshima.
You can do more than just pay a visit to worship Gyuanim statue. We would like to introduce you another interesting places which is located within the area of Ofuna Kannon Temple
Starting from the stone monument which commemorated to the victims of atomic bomb in Hiroshima. This stone monument was brought here from Hiroshima where the bomb has taken place. It has become another symbol of the temple in which many people come to pray for peace
Apart from that, this place is famous for the god of children, so called Kodakara god. People bring the mini baby dolls to pay a respect to Kodakara god and wish for welfare of their children.
People believe that this god always protect children.
It made him famous for blessing for child welfare.
Japanese people bring this a small child-like doll to the temple
to make a wish.
Gyuanim Statue small size 350Yen medium size 800Yen Large size 1,200Yen great for souvenirs
Gyuanim statue inspired amulet, called Non Chan, 500Yen
Temple designed notebook, or Goshuin in Japanese, can be
considered as a temple's amulet, as it is believed that it is
related to luck. The price is 1,200Yen. It is popular among
collectors as there aremany Japanese people also
collecting this style of famous temple notebook.
Speaking of the famous dessert here, it definitely is Gyuanim shape-like Japanese sweet. For sale 3 pieces for 400 Yen.
This sweet can be purchased at the souvenir shops nearby the temple
Many Asian residents who are living in Japan usually come to visit and pray at this temple. After the wishes come true, they will perform the dance as a redemption to a vow of god. As a result, Yume Kannon Asia festival was held for the first time and every year since then. Monks from all over Asia attend this festival. This festival attracts many locals and foreign visitors with it unique features which is the dance performance from various countries in Asia.
Traditional dance show of every country in Asia
This festival is held for Asians, and also to pray for peace
This year, the Yume Kannon festival is scheduled to be held on 13 September. In addition, there is another famous festival so called Candle Night in Ofuna Kannon. During the festival, candles will be lit up and the prayers will write wishes in their languages to decorate the candles.
The Night Candles are decorated around the huge statue of
Kannon
This candle lightning activity is conducted by using
a particular lighters which refers to peace.
Ofuna Kannon Temple
Kanagawa Prefecture Kamakura Moto1－5－3 Tel：0467-43-1561
Opening Hours：9AM-17 PM (February-October), 9AM-16.30PM (November-January)
Admission Fee：Adult 300Yen, Children100Yen(Primary School Student）
*No fees for small children Group visitors 200 yen（more than 20 people）
http://www.oofuna-kannon.or.jp/
＊The price shown in this article, is the researched price on May 2014, which is 8% tax included.
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