PM visits 2 Buddhist temples

He began his day with a visit to the ancient Toji Temple, which is inspired by the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh of Hindu philosophy. He was accompanied by his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe.

Kyoto, Aug. 31: On the second day of his Japan tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday visited two prominent ancient Buddhist temples here — Toji and Kinkakuji — offering prayers and mingling with the common people and tourists.

The dress- conscious Mr Modi was attired in allwhite kurta pyjama, sleeveless jacket and white sandals when he visited the temples, apparently to send out a message of solemnity of the occasion.

In Kinkakuji, the Prime Minister mingled with tourists and visitors, shook hands, pulled ears of a child and posed for pho- tographs with groups of people.

He began his day with a visit to the ancient Toji Temple, which is inspired by the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh of Hindu philosophy.

He was accompanied by his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe when he went around the famous temple which is a Unesco world heritage site.

Mr Modi was at the temple complex for about halfan- hour during which he enquired about the history of the eighth- century Buddhist pagoda.

Chief monk Mori took the Prime Minister around the complex having wood- en temple including the five- storied main pagoda.

“I am Modi, you are Mori,” he told the chief priest Yasu Nagamori jokingly after reading name on his identity card.

The main pagoda stands 57 metres tall, making it the tallest pagoda in Japan, and has become a symbol of both the temple and Kyoto as it can be seen from many places across the city.

While leaving the complex, Mr Modi thanked Mr Abe for accompanying him to the temple and spending time with him.

Mr Abe, on his part, told Mr Modi that this was only the second time that he had visited Toji temple, the last being during his student days.

The Japanese Prime Minister had specially come here from Tokyo to meet Mr Modi and be with him.