Omizutori

Overview

Omizutori is a Buddhist rite held annually from March 1st to March 14th at Nigatsu-do Hall in Todai-ji Temple, Nara City. Its formal name is Shuni-e (the Eleven-Faced Kannon Repentance Rite), a ceremony in which participants confess their sins before the principal image of the Eleven-Faced Kannon (Juichimen Kannon) at Nigatsu-do Hall and pray for the removal of disasters and the invocation of blessings . According to tradition, the ceremony was founded in 752 by Priest Jitchu, a senior disciple of Priest Roben, the founder of Todai-ji Temple, and has been performed continuously without interruption as the "unfailing practice" .

The common name "Omizutori" (water drawing) derives from the ritual performed late at night on March 12th (around 1:30 AM on March 13th), in which sacred water (okozui) is drawn from the Wakasai Well and offered to the principal image of Nigatsu-do Hall . In the Kinki region, people say that "spring arrives when Omizutori ends," and the conclusion of this rite, performed during the harsh cold of early March, is cherished as a herald of the coming spring season .

History and Origins

Omizutori is believed to have begun in 752, the same year that the Great Buddha of Todai-ji Temple was completed . According to tradition, Priest Jitchu initiated the repentance practice before the Eleven-Faced Kannon at Nigatsu-do Hall, and the origins of this ritual are unique to Japan, with no comparable precedents found in China or the Korean Peninsula . The exact birth and death years of Priest Jitchu remain unknown, and the origins of this ceremony are still shrouded in many mysteries.

The rite has faced several crises throughout its history, yet it has been continuously maintained. In 1180, during the Heiji Rebellion, the Taira clan's attack on Nara burned down the Great Buddha Hall and the Great South Gate, but Nigatsu-do Hall survived . In October 1567, during the war between the Matsunaga and Miyoshi clans, the Great Buddha Hall was completely destroyed and the head of the Great Buddha melted down, but again Nigatsu-do Hall escaped the flames .

However, in 1667, during the Edo period, a fire broke out during the Omizutori ceremony itself, and Nigatsu-do Hall burned down entirely . Nigatsu-do Hall was rebuilt in 1669, and the current building, now designated a National Treasure, was completed. During World War II, there was pressure from the military, but the tradition was preserved through the strong will and efforts of the priests of that time .

Since 2020, the current Omizutori has been held from March 1st to March 14th . The 11 priests known as Rengyoshu who perform the main rite are announced on December 16th, the anniversary of Priest Roben's death, and the preliminary practice called Bekka begins on February 20th . During the main practice from March 1st to March 14th, the Rengyoshu live under strict precepts and engage in severe ascetic practices that continue into the late hours of each night.

Highlights

Otaimatsu (Great Torches) Every night from 7:00 PM for approximately 20 minutes, great torches measuring about 6 to 8 meters in length and weighing about 40 kilograms are carried onto the stage of Nigatsu-do Hall . These torches serve as a source of light for the Rengyoshu, who are led by young boys called Doji carrying the torches. The blazing torches shower sparks over the heads of the spectators, and since ancient times, it has been said that receiving these sparks brings good health and happiness .

Kago-Taimatsu (Cage Torches) Only on March 12th, larger torches called Kago-Taimatsu are used, measuring about 8 meters in length and weighing about 70 kilograms, with 11 torches used from 7:30 PM for about 45 minutes . This day is the pilgrimage day for the Koshako (lay devotional associations), and a special number of torches are employed. The Kago-Taimatsu are made by splitting the tips of bamboo poles, inserting split pinewood, wrapping them with green cedar leaves into a spherical shape about 70 to 100 centimeters in diameter, and finally decorating them with thin cedar planks called Keshoban arranged like flower petals .

The Water-Drawing Ceremony In the late night of March 12th (around 1:30 AM on March 13th), the ritual of drawing sacred water from the Wakasai Well to offer to the Eleven-Faced Kannon at Nigatsu-do Hall takes place . This ceremony is the most important event from which the common name Omizutori derives. The manner in which the Rengyoshu draw water from the well according to strict procedures is known as a mysterious practice generally not open to the public.

Dattan Practice This is considered the most mysterious practice, performed only in the late nights of March 12th, 13th, and 14th . The Rengyoshu, disguising themselves as the Fire Deity and the Water Deity, burn torches inside the darkened Nigatsu-do Hall to perform the rite. The sight of the Fire Deity dragging a large torch and walking around the hall about ten times is spectacular, and there are theories suggesting a connection with the Zoroastrian religion of ancient Iran .

Running Practice The Rengyoshu run around inside the hall barefoot in only their tabi socks . According to one theory, because one day in the celestial realm is equivalent to 400 years in this world, the priests run to get even one step closer to celestial practice. During this practice, the priests are not allowed to drink even water, and they endure severe thirst while engaging in the rigorous training.

Strict Customs and Taboos In Omizutori, ancient customs and taboos are still strictly observed . According to the rule "Hiru Sanju-shichi-nichi" (garlic 37 days), if a priest eats garlic or leeks, he cannot enter Nigatsu-do Hall for 37 days. Other taboos include "Usagi Ju-shichi-nichi" (rabbit 14 days), "Tanuki Niju-ichi-nichi" (badger 21 days), "Inoshishi Sanju-go-nichi" (wild boar 35 days), and "Shika Hyaku-nichi" (deer 100 days), which regulate how long priests must abstain after eating certain animals, demonstrating the strict control over the Rengyoshu's daily lives.

Access and Event Information

Venue: Nigatsu-do Hall, Todai-ji Temple (406-1 Zoshi-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture) Dates: Annually from March 1st to March 14th Otaimatsu Schedule: March 1st-11th and 13th from 7:00 PM for about 20 minutes; March 12th from 7:30 PM for about 45 minutes; March 14th from 6:30 PM for about 10 minutes Water-Drawing Ceremony: Late night of March 12th (around 1:30 AM on March 13th) at Wakasai Well Access: Take a city loop bus from JR or Kintetsu Nara Station, get off at "Daibutsuden Kasuga-taisha-mae," and walk about 5 minutes Important Notes: No reservations or place-holding allowed. If the number of people on the lawn below Nigatsu-do Hall (within the bamboo fence) or in the plaza exceeds a certain limit, visitors will be guided to the second viewing area. If that area also becomes full, it may not be possible to see the Otaimatsu at all . Please check the official website of Todai-ji Temple for the latest schedule and information on whether the event will be held.

Surrounding Area

The Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsu-den) of Todai-ji Temple is a massive Buddhist hall housing the statue of Vairochana Buddha (the Great Buddha of Nara), which was commissioned by Emperor Shomu during the Nara period. The hall is approximately 47 meters high, and although the current building was reconstructed in the Edo period, it is known as one of the largest wooden structures in the world. Located about a 5-minute walk from Nigatsu-do Hall, many visitors visit the Great Buddha before attending the Omizutori ceremony.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine, located about a 10-minute walk from Todai-ji Temple, was founded as the clan shrine of the Fujiwara family during the Nara period. Its main hall, beautifully painted in vermilion, is designated as a National Treasure, and the approach is lined with about 3,000 stone lanterns and about 1,000 hanging lanterns. During the Omizutori period, Kasuga Taisha may also hold events such as the Setsubun Mantoro (10,000-lantern festival).

Nara Park is a vast area that includes Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and it is home to approximately 1,200 wild deer. The park features attractions such as the Ukimi-do Hall and the five-story pagoda of Kofuku-ji Temple within walking distance, making it possible to explore Nara's history and culture before and after attending the Omizutori ceremony. Early March coincides with the plum blossom season, and the plum orchards within Nara Park and the weeping plum trees at Himuro Shrine are also popular sights.

Related Information

1. Rengyoshu: The 11 priests who perform the main rite of Omizutori. They are announced on December 16th and begin the preliminary practice of Bekka on February 20th .
2. Bekka: The preliminary practice period beginning on February 20th before the main rite. The Rengyoshu enter a vegetarian lifestyle and observe strict precepts, including the use of a separate fire for cooking .
3. Wakasai Well: A well located beneath Nigatsu-do Hall from which sacred water is drawn during the Omizutori ceremony to be offered to the principal image. Its origins are subject to various theories .
4. Kegon-kyo (Burned Sutra): A sutra discovered in the ruins of a fire that destroyed Nigatsu-do Hall in the Edo period, now housed in the Nara National Museum. The silver characters on indigo-dyed paper are a distinctive feature .
5. Kosha (Devotional Associations): A private religious organization supporting the Omizutori. March 12th is the pilgrimage day for these associations, and special cage torches are used .
6. Burnt Remains of Otaimatsu: The charred remnants of the torches after the sparks have scattered are sometimes treated as protective talismans (omamori), and some visitors may take them home .

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