|
|
 |
|||||
|
Shinkyo Bridge, Nikko Between
the town of Nikko and its main shrines there is a red lacquered bridge
spanning across the Daiya River. The sacred bridge’s (Shinkyo) simple
elegance contrasts with the misty and untamed river and the evergreen
hills. The Shinkyo was originally built in 1636 for the exclusive use of
the Shogun and his emissaries. Nikko
has been revered as a holy ground since the Buddhist Saint Shodo Shonin
(735-817) arrived at its wild streams. When Shodo was unable to cross a
river he prayed on his knees and hence met a dreadful beast carrying two
snakes. The being was the water god who tossed the red and blue snakes
toward the priest. Then the serpents grew wild sedges forming a rainbow
bridge across the chasm. |