THE BELLS ARE RUNG 108 TIMES TO RENOUNCE EARTHLY DESIRES
On New Year’s Eve, just before midnight on December 31 to the morning of New Year’s Day, the temple bell is rung 108 times. This number is derived from the 108 types of earthly desires by which humans are troubled. Praying to renounce all earthly passions, visitors ring the bell and feel purified so as to welcome an upcoming new year. (*Reservation is required to ring the bell.)
