What makes Kiyomizu-dera Temple special?

3 streams of sacred water flow into the temple Kiyomizu-dera, thus rendering it the moniker that translates to 'Pure water temple'. The water comes from Otowa Waterfall, a 1000-year old spring-fed waterfall from the base of the mountain, right beneath the temple's main hall!

What makes this temple special is the sheer reverence that visitors flocking to the temple exhibit....students, young couples, expectant mothers, tourists, all queue up to drink this pure water to invoke the blessings of the presiding deity, the eleven-faced, thousand-armed Goddess Kannon.

Long ladles with small cups are provided for visitors to drink from each stream, believed to bring longevity, academic success and love.

As per Japanese belief and folklore, drinking from all three streams is considered greedy. So, how do you know which stream stands for what?

Here's a trick...as per popular belief, the left stream is to bring academic success, the centre stream is for people looking to start new relationships, and the third is for longevity and health. So, take your pick!

I wasn't going to leave without drinking this sacred water..

And that's not all.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kiyomizu-dera Temple is also known for its stunning architecture, dating back almost 1200 years.

The special feature of this temple is the large veranda, popularly known as the Kiyomizu Stage, that juts out from the main hall. The Kiyomizu Stage, built in 1633, is an architectural marvel in its own right. This unique stage is supported by 18 large pillars made of Zelkova tree, held together by an interlocking technique, without a single nail holding them together!!

There's a saying in Japanese, 'to jump off the stage of Kiyomizu', meaning to take a huge risk.

The phrase has its origins in the Japanese belief that if a person survives the 13-meter jump from the stage, then all his or her wishes would be granted!

I would've loved to test the veracity of this claim, but sadly, this jump is now officially banned!

If you're planning on visiting this beautiful temple, my firsthand tips would come in handy for your visit...

• Start early. This is a constant at all Japanese shrines: As the day progresses, huge crowds throng the temple complex. The Kiyomizu Stage is so crowded with people that clicking a picture with heads popping up everywhere is impossible.

• Keep aside at least 2 hours to see the temple grounds and discover its hidden gems. Ring the gong and offer prayers at the main hall to seek divine blessings.

• The walk to the temple from the Gojozaka bus stop is 10 minute is moderately uphill. If you're coming from the Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, then you will have to walk for about 25 minutes.

  
  

• The uphill incline is lined with traditional shops selling typical Japanese souvenirs and tempting merchandise. You will see ice cream parlours and lots of eateries, too. But plan to make a stopover on your way back before crowds hit the temple.

• The uphill ramp is wheelchair-friendly, although once you reach the temple, there are lots of stairs to navigate. The main popular areas of the temple are connected with ramps, and wheelchair-bound visitors are eligible for a discount. Please check the details at the counter at the time of admission.

• Entry to the temple is free, but if you wish to see the Kiyomizu Stage and the 3 streams of pure water, then you will need a 500 yen ticket, which can be purchased directly at the counter.

  
  

• Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved, plus a whole lot of staircases around the temple complex. At a lot of shrines in the temple, visitors are expected to take off their shoes.