A ” Mairi ” is a visit to a temple or shrine for the purpose of prayer. ” Rokudo “ refers to the six states through which living beings transmigrate. From the lowest to highest, they are:
(1) beings in hell,
(2) hungry ghosts,
(3) beasts,
(4) humans,
(5) asuras, and
(6) gods.
As Obon approaches, people visit temples to summon their ancestors’ spirits.
Rokudo Chinno-ji Temple
In ancient times this temple was the entrance to a famous burial ground called Toribe-no, and the cross-roads in front of the temple were considered to be the very border between this world and the next. As Obon approaches, people come here between 6:00 and 23:00 to summon their ancestors’ spirits by striking the temple bell. The approach is lined with food and trinket stalls. Many locals come to buy a branch called “Koya-maki”, believing their ancestors’ spirits can take hold of it and use it as a vehicle for returning to this world.
