33 Kannons of Kansai

Moss covered 100+ years old statues

Komal Khiani May 31, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Moss covered old statues of Kannon</p>

<p>They looked little similar but each of them had their own importance.</p>

<p>Really artistic work done on these.</p>

<p>Some statues are so old that only few parts remain.</p>

<p>The only statue of Kannon with an animal</p>

<p>Pilgrims leave their offerings on the statues.</p>

<p>Surely, you would want to spend more time around them.</p>

Throughout the Kansai region of Japan there are 33 Buddhist temples with statues of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, at their entrances; they are the principal image of each temple. Kannon is known for her ability to take 33 different forms and to possess a variety of powers, and this is the reason why there are 33 temples. The pilgrimage of these 33 temples is known as Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.

The statues of Kannon can be found at all temples which are a part of the pilgrimage. These pictures are from Sekizan Zen-in Temple in the northeastern part of Kyoto where the statues are more than 100 years old.

Komal Khiani @komal.khiani

A travelaholic and a photographer, I believe that travel broadens one's view towards the world. Experiencing other cultures, meeting new people from other communities and other countries, exploring new places is something that inspires me everyday.