At Horyuji Temple in Nara, a World Heritage Site, a "wiping" was held to remove the dust accumulated on the Buddha statues during the past year before the New Year.
At Horyuji Temple, a World Heritage Site in Ikaruga Town, Nara Prefecture, we perform "wiping" every year at this time of year so that the Buddha statue will welcome the New Year in a pure appearance.
On the 8th, 10 monks entered the national treasure "Kondo" and chanted sutras in front of the enshrined Buddha statue.
After that, the monks in masks carefully brushed off the dust accumulated on the Buddhist statues such as the national treasures "Shakyamuni statue" and "Yakushi Nyorai sitting statue".
The worshipers were watching the work and holding hands toward the Buddha statue.
A man in his 70s from Tochigi Prefecture said, "I've never seen a wipe. It made me feel refreshed."
Mr. Masakazu Furuya, chief priest of Horyu-ji Temple, said, "I was able to get ready for the New Year by dusting this year. I was talking.