SEIRYU-E

THE BLUE DRAGON, THE GOD GUARDING THE EAST, PARADES THROUGH THE GROUNDS AND THE TEMPLE TOWN: One of the legends of the temple says that a blue dragon (Seiryu in Japanese), an incarnation of Kannon, flies to drink from the waterfall every night. Furthermore, Yasha, originally a demon-god, is enshrined in a small shrine in the south side of Okuno-in Hall. Yasha has been worshiped as a match-making god who guards the ground of Seiryu and the principal image as well as a disruptor of evil karma. At this event, with a 18-meter long figure of the blue dragon leading the way, a wide variety of performers adorned with gorgeous costumes parade through the grounds and the temple town, praying for regional peace and expelling bad luck. Observing the incarnation of Kannon performing, the audience chant “Namu-kannon” in chorus and pray for good luck.

SCHEDULE

March 15, April 3, and September 15
The procession begins from Okuno-in Hall at 2:00 p.m and marches from Sai-mon Gate at 3:00 p.m.