What Does the Omizutori of Nigatsu-do at Todai-ji Temple Mean?
Omizutori is a ritual that began in 752.
This coincides with the completion of Todaiji Temple. At the time, Emperor Shomu established Todaiji as a national project to overcome national crises, enhance state authority, and appease public sentiment.
This ritual, known as Omizutori at Todaiji, was created to cleanse people of their sins and prevent disasters.
An important point here is that this ritual is not performed directly by individuals, but rather by selected practitioners who repent on behalf of the individual.
This structure has been maintained to this day.
The reason fire is involved is simple.
The torch ritual, performed at night, is the most visually impressive, and fire serves as a tool for purification.
As the torch is moved along the railing of the Nigatsudo, the flames fall downwards.
At this time, those below do not step aside. This is because they believe these embers purify them.
This is precisely why it is named the "Water Ritual."
The name "Omizutori" originates from the actual act of drawing water.
Water is drawn from the well beneath Iwoldang and used as an offering.
This water is used in the ritual for a certain period, signifying that the purification process has been completed.
Therefore, this ritual begins with fire and concludes with water.
The Reason the Omizutori Ceremony is Held at Nigatsudo
Nigatsudo is located high up within the grounds of Todaiji Temple.
Due to this structure, practitioners perform the ritual from above, while the general public observes from below.
The sight of flames falling from above is a form possible only at Nigatsudo.
This is because it must be high enough to purify everything spread out below with the ash from the flames.
The Reason People Don’t Light Fireworks
The fact that this event takes place at the time of bidding farewell to winter and welcoming spring carries the significance of melting the frozen and inviting new life, as well as repelling human impurities and evil spirits to cleanse the world anew.
Therefore, people try to get covered in falling ash, even if it means risking their clothes getting burned. It is an effort to receive good energy.
The Omizutori ceremony resembles the Catholic sacrament of confession.
It bears a striking resemblance to the act of God's children confessing their sins and seeking forgiveness in a cathedral.
Don't you think the desire to be forgiven for one's wrongdoings and be reborn as a better person is similar to the mindset of protecting oneself from evil spirits?
If so, I hope you will participate in this event during your trip to Nara.
A place where deer play with people - Nara Deer Park
Touring the massive Todai-ji Temple
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