Nara: A Bridge to the Pure Land Paradise

Overview

The ancient temple of Taimadera sits at the foot of Mt. Nijo in northwestern Nara. It was founded in the year 612. On April 14th every year, the temple holds a very special event. The Descent of the Bodhisattvas, or Nerikuyo, is a procession across a bridge between the human world and the Pure Land Paradise. Just once a year, local worshipers walk this raised path of prayer.