The Kiyomizu-dera which means clear water, or pure water is an independent
Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto, Japan.
It was founded in the early
Heian period.
The temple dates back to 798 and its present buildings were constructed in 1633.
Not one nail is used in the whole temple.
The Kiyomizu-dera takes its name from the waterfall within the complex, which runs
off the nearby hills.
The temple stands on a rocky outcrop above the Otawa Waterfall.
The terrace of the main hall makes a particularly strong impression.
It rests on 95 ft tall pillars with five rows of crossbeams.
According to some historical materials, in 778, priest
Enchin was inspired in a dream
to build the Kiyomizu-dera temple in this land.
He was soon given the sacred land of Otowa, and with
Sakanove-no- Tamauramaro's support,
finished the buildings in 798.
The temple was able to be made because Tamauramaro's wife called out to the court ladies
and collected money from them.
In this way, the temple was built by Tamauramaro's own money.
Today, the Kiyomizu-dera is still a favorite attraction in Kyoto, Japan.
