Todai-ji Nigatsu-do

After the pandemic ended, I went to "Omizutori" in February 2023, which was released for the first time in several years. The sacred night ceremony held at the Nigatsu-do hall at the back of Todai-ji Temple has been held every year since 752, and part of the 30-minute climax is open to the public free of charge. In the darkness of the night, the sight of the monks carrying huge torches and going back and forth through the corridors is a fantastic sight, but at the same time it wards off evil and gives the audience holy power. The use of lights such as flashes is prohibited during viewing.

Below is an explanation from the Nara Prefecture Tourism Official Website.

It is popularly known as "Omizutori" and "Otaimatsu", and is known as an event that heralds the arrival of spring. On the night of the 12th, there is an event to pump up the perfume to be offered to the main deity, hence the name 'Omizutori'. In addition, the name "Otaimatsu" comes from the fact that the Rengyoshu are led by a large torch that illuminates their feet when they go to Nigatsudo. It began in 752 as a repentance service performed in front of the treasure of the eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva, the principal image of Nigatsu-do, and has continued uninterrupted to the present day. During the period, the large bell at 7:00 p.m. will signal the lighting of the torches (however, on the 12th at 7:30 p.m. and on the 14th at 6:30 p.m.). Prayers for world peace and happiness are held until late at night. If you apply for a prayer at the receiving place on the south side of Nigatsu-do, you can have the amulets you prayed for at this memorial service sent to you.