Mossy statue, Hōzenji, near Dōtonbori, Chūō-ku, Ōsaka, Japan

            Moments away from the bright lights of Dōtonbori (Ōsaka's entertainment district since the 17th Century) is a narrow, stone-paved alleyway of more-traditional shops and taverns, centred on the Buddhist temple of Hozen-ji.

Originally built in 1637, then rebuilt after bombing in the Second World War, the temple is best known for its statue of Fudo Myo'o. The statue was the sole part of the original temple complex to survive the bombs, though that's not the reason for its fame.

Fudo Myo'o is one of the five Wisdom Kings, guardians of Buddhism. He represents discipline and firm moral character, so generally has a fierce appearence, but in this case, he seems less severe, as he's entirely covered by soft, green moss.  Unlike at most Japanese temples, where coins are offered, the tradition at Hozenji is to splash the statue of 'Mizukake Fudo' for good luck, which evidently encourages the moss.

That main statue is the background of this image, which focuses on either Kongara or Seitaka, the attendants commonly depicted alongside Fudo Myo'o. I don't know which this is, but obviously he's been splashed too.

Taken in: Japan / Osaka / Chūō Ku / Sennichimae (show map)

Taken on: November 7, 2016

Tags:

moss

statue

法善寺

yokochō

法善寺横丁

chuo

中央区

ōsaka

大阪

japan

日本

kongara

seitaka

mizukake

fudo

myo'o

nippon

nihon

buddhist

temple

dōtonbori « less

Sets appears in: • Japan: Osaka

Groups appears in: • Japan Images • Sculpture more » • Buddhists • Statues and Sculptures. • Buddhist • Buddhist Arts • Osaka (Japan) • Hard Men • Temples,Shrines & Castles of Japan. ( + Deities) 日本 • The secret lives of statues • Head Start in Art • 日本 Nihon Japan Japón जापान Japão Xapón « less

Camera: Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II, f/2.8, 1/20 sec, 36.8mm, ISO 2500 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
Lens:	8.8-36.8 mm
Aperture:	f/2.8
Exposure Time:	0.05 sec (1/20)
Focal Length:	36.8mm
ISO:	2500
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Program AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Color Space:	Uncalibrated
Software:	Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 (Windows)
Show full info

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