Nio Guardian at Hozomon of Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan, illuminated at Night
Sensō-ji (金龍山浅草寺) is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Taitō, Tokyo, Japan. It is Tokyo's oldest temple, and one of its most significant. Formerly associated with the Tendai sect, it became independent after World War II. It is a very popular tourist attraction and it attracts large crowds of visitors daily. At night, the temple buildings are illuminated giving visitors another feel of the place. The temple is also famous for its annual Sanja Matsuri, Tokyo's largest and most popular. The photo features a nio. Kongōrikishi (金剛力士) or Niō (仁王) are two wrath-filled and muscular guardians of the Buddha, standing today at the entrance of many Buddhist temples all across Asia including China, Japan and Korea in the form of frightening wrestler-like statues. They are manifestations of the Bodhisattva Vajrapāṇi protector deity and the oldest and most powerful of the Mahayana pantheon. According to Japanese tradition, they travelled with the historical Buddha to protect him and there are references to this in the Theravada Scriptures as well as the Ambatta Sutta.
Size: 4231px × 3174px
Location: ２-３-１ Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Photo credit: © Moonie's World Photography / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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