World and Lore / Historical mystery

Something in the Water

Legend has it that the Otowa Waterfall at Kiyomizu-dera Temple is visited nightly by an avatar of the goddess Kannon who appears in the form of a dragon to drink from its pool of clean, clear water. This dragon is said to be protected by Yashajin, a deity known to purge bad karma and bring good fortune. Often described as golden or life-giving, the water that flows into the temple pond is believed to bestow blessings on all who drink of it.