The Nitenmon is the biggest gate in Nikko.
It is located on the opposite side of Omizuya (Water house). The frame
of "Taiyuin" is put up on the upper side of the gate. The
"Taiyuin" is handwriting of the Emperor Gomizunoo.
Two images
of gods are enshrined in the front. Also, two gods can be translated
"Niten." Therefore, the Nitenmon is explained as the "Gate
of Two Gods." Those gods are called Jikokuten and Koumokuten,
and these are two of Shitennou (The four Deva kings). In addition,
this gate also is called Kaminarimon (Gate of Thunder) because image
of Raijin (God of thunder) is put on the backside of the gate.
On the backside
of the gate, you will find images of the red Raijin and blue Fujin
(God of wind). The Raijin's fingers are just three, and each finger
expresses past, present and future. On the contrary, the Fujin's
fingers are four, and each finger expresses the East, the West,
the South and the North. Also, the Raijin and Fujin have on two
fingers for the leg. Those two fingers of leg indicate the sky and
the ground.
Coloring
of Nitenmon Gate is clear. For example, lower side of the gate is
vermilion lacquered, middle of the gate is black, and under the
eaves is ultramarine, vermilion and greenish blue. Also, there are
many decorations on the upper side, where it is easy to be seen.
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