Rituals and purification

Woman walking past a row of lanterns

There are so many things to see in this massive complex, it becomes overwhelming. So many people, visiting both for tourism and for prayer. We spotted this couple who brought in their new car to have it blessed, which is a common practice.

There are many other rituals that go on, before one even enters the shrine or temple, like the incense I mentioned in my last post. Some are for luck, some for purificationl. For example, walking in a figure 8 through this circle before entering the area.

I never miss a chance for good luck!

Before entering, one purifies with water. (Not that we really needed it with all the rain!) First wash the left hand, then the right hand. Next drink with the left hand, finally cleaning the handle before replacing it.