Whispers of ancient storms swirl around Saifuku-ji Temple. They speak of a time when lightning split the sky above the temple well. Legend says a powerful old woman, witnessing the divine fury, contained the thunder god within the well, sealing it with a heavy lid. This is the origin of the Japanese custom of chanting “kuwabara, kuwabara” to ward off lightning strikes. “Kuwabara” echoes the name of this very place, Saifuku-ji Temple, a quiet sanctuary nestled in Osaka. Saifuku-ji holds another intriguing tale. It’s believed to be the birthplace of Shunjobo Chogen, the monk devoted to rebuilding Todai-ji Temple in Nara during the Kamakura period. Within Saifuku-ji’s grounds, you’ll find Chogen’s grave, a silent testament to his enduring legacy. The temple itself has weathered its own storms. Established in 1202, Saifuku-ji Temple originally boasted a main hall, a kitchen, a study hall, a smaller study area, a bell tower, and a viewing hall. The ravages of the first Osaka city war in 1615 claimed most of these structures. Precious ancient texts and records also perished in the flames. Yet, miraculously, the temple’s main icon survived, likely created around 1202. The current main hall at Saifuku-ji Temple stands as a symbol of resilience. It was rebuilt in 1618, then again thirty-nine years later. The viewing hall followed, reconstructed in 1657. Saifuku-ji Temple’s grounds, spanning nearly a thousand square meters, hold centuries of stories. The tombs of prominent families, like the Mitsui Takafusa family, rest here, adding another layer of historical significance to this tranquil oasis.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to