 Byakugo in the
temple name means white cilia on the forehead of Buddha. This is supposed
to be one of the 32 aspects of Buddha. Since it is thought that from the
very part of the face where Byakugo grows, brilliant rays flash across
the vast universe of Buddhist paradises, it functions as a symbol of Buddha.
The popular explanation is that this temple is named after the white sacred
hair on the forehead of Amida Buddha, or Amitabha, the main object of
worship of this temple. In the precincts, a large number of camellias,
including the five-colored camellia (Natural Monument), are seen. In autumn,
the pure-white or deep-red hagi, or Japanese bush clovers, are all over
in the temple, presenting a remarkable scene. |
