When exploring the Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo, back in 2023, I realized it is similar to the Sri Ram Temple in Pune.
There are structural and cultural similarities.
And many other similarities even though in Tokyo it was a Buddhist Temple and the one in Pune is a Hindu temple.
Both are temple complexes with multiple structures for worship within a fenced area with multiple entrances and exits.
Temples in both India and Japan have the multiple arches feature.
In Japan, these are called Tori; in India, these are called Toran.
In Tokyo and Pune, the temples have animal figures placed on raised pedestals.
Nandi the bull and the Gajaraj the elephant in India.
A dog and a lion figure were seen in a Japanese temple.
In Pune and Tokyo, there were smaller temples built on square platforms, dedicated to other gods within the temple complex.
In the temple in Tokyo, I noticed pillars that housed lamps.
In Pune, these pillars have a special name - DeepMaal.
Streets lined with a lot of shops lead to the temples in both Pune and Tokyo.
Delicious food can be enjoyed outside the temples in both Pune and Tokyo.
Idli, Vada, Sambar, Solkadhi, in Pune, and Bento Boxes in Tokyo.
Handicraft items are prominently sold outside temples in both Pune and Tokyo.
I could reach the Ram Temple using the Pune metro alighting at the Mandai Station.
I could reach the Senso-ji Temple using the Tokyo metro alighting the Asakusa Station.
Both in India and in Japan, hand-pulled or pedal-operated rickshaws are available to travel from the metro station to the temple entrance.
I opted to walk from the metro station to the temple entrance and noticed manhole covers.
Both in Pune and in Tokyo there are a variety of designs for the manhole covers which one can enjoy while walking.
Unlike Abrahamic places of worship like a Church or a Mosque, Hindu and Buddhist Temples, the world over, are centers of cultural, economic, spiritual, educational, medical, and many other activities.
Temples in India typically have a school, or a clinic, or a shop or meditation center or a Yoga school attached to them. Sometimes all of these are found together in larger temples.
Hope you enjoyed the journey through both.
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