AroundDolceStreet's Fotothing

08/05/07

Shitenno-ji Temple, Osaka Japan (Originally built in 593)

This is called, "Tenhourin" installed at the middle of the four pillars of Nishi Dai Mon (West Great Gate). "Tenhourins" are like a smaller wheel, "Chakura", that is said that Buddha uses when He teaches the doctrines. It is unusual for Japanese temples to have "Tenhourins" like Shitenno-ji Temple.

When visitors go through the gate, they just spin a Tenhourin maybe to get some divine from Buddha...

For more about Shitenno-ji Temple:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shitenn%C5%8D-ji