Horyuji Temple, nestled in the ancient capital of Nara, Japan, is renowned as the world’s oldest surviving wooden architectural complex, boasting a history of over 1,400 years. Throughout its long existence, numerous legends and mysterious tales have emerged and been passed down through generations. Among these, the “Horyuji Temple Seven Wonders” have particularly captivated people’s curiosity, enhancing the temple’s mystical aura. But are these “wonders” truly inexplicable phenomena?
This article will meticulously examine each of the Horyuji Temple Seven Wonders, seeking the truth behind them from both scientific and historical perspectives. Join us on a journey to lift the veil of legend and rediscover the true charm of Horyuji Temple and the subtle sensibilities of the Japanese people.
What Are the “Horyuji Temple Seven Wonders”?—The Background of the Legends
The term “Seven Wonders” often refers to inexplicable phenomena or traditions specific to a certain region or place, not necessarily limited to exactly seven items. Ancient temples and shrines frequently become the settings for such “wonders,” and Horyuji Temple is no exception.
What’s particularly noteworthy is the complete absence of any mention of the “Horyuji Temple Seven Wonders” in the temple’s official documents or records. This suggests that these legends did not originate from the temple authorities themselves but rather arose and were perpetuated organically among the common people.
Much like the famous “Seven Wonders of Honjo” (a district in old Edo, now Tokyo), which originated in the Edo period (1603-1868), the Horyuji Temple Seven Wonders are also believed to have begun circulating among the populace during the Edo era. People of that time had a strong penchant for ghost stories and tales of strange phenomena, making a historic site like Horyuji Temple an ideal backdrop for such narratives.
Let’s now explore each of the Horyuji Temple Seven Wonders in detail.
Wonder #1: No Spider Webs or Bird Droppings—Legends of a Pure Sanctuary
The Legend
Spiders do not spin webs on Horyuji Temple’s buildings, and birds do not leave droppings on them.
This first of the Horyuji Temple Seven Wonders can be interpreted as a manifestation of the devout feelings of the monks and the wishes of worshippers, who view Horyuji as a pure and sacred sanctuary. The underlying belief is that even spiders and birds would not dare to defile its sanctity.
Seeking the Truth
In reality, spider webs can be found on Horyuji Temple’s structures, and bird droppings are also present. It’s clear this legend isn’t factually accurate. However, several interesting considerations might explain its origin.
Firstly, the architectural design of Horyuji Temple architecture could play a role. The deep eaves and complex bracket systems (kumimono) might make it difficult for spiders to spin webs, or at least make them less visible. It’s also possible that certain areas were less prone to bird droppings.
More importantly, this legend is deeply connected to the Japanese aesthetic of “purity.” The sensibility of perceiving not just visible dirt but even trivial things like spider webs and bird droppings as “impure” and seeking to eliminate them resonates with the Shinto concept of “kegare” (defilement or pollution).
The daily cleaning activities undertaken by Horyuji’s monks might also have contributed to this of the Horyuji Temple Seven Wonders. The constantly swept temple grounds could have appeared so immaculately clean that it seemed as if even spiders and birds refrained from soiling them.
This “wonder,” apart from scientific truth, reflects the reverence people held for Horyuji Temple and their idealized image of a sacred space.
Wonder #2: No Potholes from Raindrops—Exaggeration of Well-Drained Land
The Legend
Despite most of Horyuji Temple’s grounds being earthen, raindrops do not create potholes on the ground.
This legend symbolizes the excellent properties of the land upon which Horyuji Temple was built. Well-drained land is crucial for protecting wooden buildings from moisture and ensuring their longevity. This is a key aspect of the Horyuji Temple Seven Wonders.
Seeking the Truth
In practice, potholes caused by raindrops can be observed on the temple grounds. However, the development of this legend likely stems from considerations of Horyuji’s location and drainage systems.
The Ikaruga area, where Horyuji is situated, has relatively sandy and gravelly soil, known for good drainage. Furthermore, it’s believed that meticulous attention was paid to drainage from the temple’s inception. For instance, gravel might have been laid around buildings, or drainage ditches constructed.
Additionally, the deep eaves of the temple buildings prevent rainwater from directly hitting the ground with force, mitigating the impact of raindrops. These factors, combined, might have led to the exaggerated legend of “no raindrop potholes,” one of the intriguing Horyuji Temple Seven Wonders.
This legend shouldn’t be dismissed merely as superstition; it could be seen as indirect evidence of ancient civil engineering techniques and environmental considerations.
Wonder #3: Four Sickles on the Five-Story Pagoda’s Finial—Sealing a Spirit or Lightning Protection?
The Legend
Four sickles are attached to the “kurin” (a nine-ringed decorative finial) atop the five-story pagoda. It was once said that the heads of these sickles would move up and down on their own.
This is one of the most mysterious of the Horyuji Temple Seven Wonders, with the image of self-moving sickles evoking a sense of supernatural power.
Seeking the Truth
The phenomenon of sickles moving independently is, of course, scientifically impossible. However, there are several interesting theories regarding the purpose of these sickles.
One theory suggests they were intended to seal the vengeful spirit (onryo) of Prince Shōtoku, the temple’s founder. Great historical figures are often associated with such legends. It’s plausible that magical devices were installed to appease his spirit.
However, a more practical and widely accepted theory is that they served as lightning rods. For a wooden structure like the five-story pagoda, lightning strikes posed a major threat. Attaching metal sickles to the highest point of the tower might have been an attempt to attract lightning and safely conduct it to the ground, a primitive form of lightning protection. Edo-period documents mention the practice of affixing metal ornaments to temple roofs for lightning protection.
This “wonder” likely arose from a combination of scientifically explainable phenomena and people’s beliefs and awe. The coexistence of supernatural interpretations (spirit-sealing) and practical explanations (lightning protection) offers a glimpse into the worldview of people at that time and the enduring mystery of the Horyuji Temple Seven Wonders.
Wonder #4: Three Hidden Storehouses in the Temple Grounds—The Mystery of Concealed Treasures
The Legend
Three “fukuzō” (secret underground storehouses) exist within Horyuji Temple’s precincts.
This legend hints at hidden treasures and secrets, stirring a sense of romance and adventure, adding to the Horyuji Temple Seven Wonders.
Seeking the Truth
Regarding these “fukuzō,” their existence has been confirmed and is not mere legend. However, their nature differs from treasure troves found in adventure novels.
These underground chambers are believed to have originally housed “chindangu”—votive offerings buried during the construction of buildings. Chindangu included items like mirrors, jewels, swords, and sutras, buried to wish for the safety of the building and the prosperity of Buddhism.
Horyuji’s fukuzō represent a fusion of Buddhist rituals and ancient beliefs, holding sacred significance related to the temple’s founding. Their transformation into “secret storehouses” in legend might be due to their existence not being widely known to the public, or a desire to protect sacred objects. This practical origin adds another layer to the Horyuji Temple Seven Wonders.
While archaeological discoveries are gradually revealing the reality of this “wonder,” it still retains a mysterious allure that stimulates people’s imagination.
Wonder #5: One-Eyed Frogs in Yoruka Pond—Prince Shōtoku’s Spiritual Power
The Legend
Only one-eyed frogs inhabit Yoruka Pond, located between the Western and Eastern Precincts. It’s said that Prince Shōtoku, finding the frogs’ croaking disruptive to his studies, poked their eyes with his writing brush, causing all frogs in this pond to become one-eyed.
This legend highlights the superhuman powers and spiritual authority of Prince Shōtoku, a key figure in the Horyuji Temple Seven Wonders.
Seeking the Truth
This legend clearly contradicts biological facts. However, why did such a tale arise?
One possible reason is the deep reverence for Prince Shōtoku. As a major contributor to the flourishing of Buddhism in Japan, he was later semi-deified. Stories of his minor actions having an impact on the natural world would have served to emphasize his greatness.
Also, for people of that time, the loud croaking of frogs could indeed have been perceived as a disturbance, especially in a quiet place of study and meditation. This practical concern might have become intertwined with anecdotes about Prince Shōtoku, evolving into this enduring legend.
While not historically factual, this “wonder” serves as a valuable tradition showing how Prince Shōtoku was remembered and portrayed by later generations.
Wonder #6: The “Tai-ishi” (Sea Bream Stone) at the South Great Gate—A Flood Control Marker
The Legend
In front of Horyuji Temple’s South Great Gate (Nandaimon), there is a fish-shaped stepping stone called “Tai-ishi.” It’s said that during heavy rains, floodwaters would reach this stone but go no further, marking it as a flood control indicator.
This legend provides a sense of security, suggesting Horyuji Temple is protected from flood damage. This practical element of the Horyuji Temple Seven Wonders is intriguing.
Seeking the Truth
Indeed, there are several natural stones in front of the South Great Gate that could be perceived as fish-shaped. The reasons why these became known as “Tai-ishi” and served as flood markers can be speculated.
The area around Horyuji Temple was historically prone to flooding from the Yamato River. Therefore, a desire for the temple’s safety likely led to the creation of such a legend. Designating a specific stone as the limit of floodwaters might have provided reassurance and encouraged preparedness for floods.
Whether this stone is based on accurate flood records is unknown, but local empirical knowledge or subtle variations in land elevation could have been the basis for the legend.
This “wonder” can be seen as a tradition embodying the wisdom and wishes of Japanese people who lived alongside natural disasters.
Wonder #7: Sweating of the Yumedono’s Lectern—A Harvest Divination
The Legend
The underside of the “raiban” (a platform where a monk sits) in the Yumedono (Hall of Dreams) “sweats.” When a square board beneath the tatami mat where the raiban is placed is exposed to sunlight, moisture appears on the underside of the board, resembling sweat. This was a ritual to divine the year’s harvest, with the “sweat” indicating a bountiful crop.
This legend suggests Horyuji Temple was not merely a religious institution but was also closely intertwined with the daily lives of local people, making it a unique part of the Horyuji Temple Seven Wonders.
Seeking the Truth
This phenomenon can be explained by the natural hygroscopic (moisture-absorbing) and moisture-permeable properties of wood. The board placed under the tatami mat would absorb moisture from the ground, and when exposed to sunlight, this moisture would attempt to evaporate. Water droplets forming on the underside of the board would then appear as “sweat.”
What’s significant is that this natural phenomenon was linked to sacred rituals and divination, not just seen as a physical process. In ancient societies, a good harvest was a paramount concern. That such divination took place at an authoritative temple like Horyuji indicates the deep connection between religion and people’s practical concerns.
This “wonder,” while scientifically explainable, is a fascinating example reflecting the beliefs, views of nature, and daily life connections of people at that time.
Conclusion: The Japanese Spirit Hidden Within the Legends
Many of the Horyuji Temple Seven Wonders can be explained through scientific investigation, historical context, or human belief. However, dismissing them merely as “superstitions” would be too hasty.
These legends can be considered “cultural memories,” condensed over long periods, reflecting the awe people felt for the special place that is Horyuji Temple, their yearning for purity, their reverence for Prince Shōtoku, and their wisdom and wishes for living in harmony with nature.
Through these Horyuji Temple Seven Wonders, we can glimpse how people in the past perceived the world and what they valued. They are manifestations of the delicate sensibilities, emotions, and rich imagination of the Japanese people, which logic and science alone cannot fully measure.
When visiting Horyuji Temple, why not let these legends be your guide and reflect on the history, culture, and human feelings hidden behind them? A deeper appreciation of Horyuji Temple’s charm, beyond what typical sightseeing offers, surely awaits.
Explore more articles about “Horyuji Temple”
