How to Use the "Temizuya"
The temizuya, also called chozuya, is a water purification area found after passing through the torii gate.
Before praying at a Japanese shrine, visitors often purify their hands and mouth at the temizuya, also called chozuya. This is the water basin usually found near the entrance of the shrine grounds.
In Shinto, water is deeply connected to purification. According to Japanese mythology, Izanagi-no-Mikoto purified himself in water after returning from Yomi, the land of the dead. This act of cleansing is called misogi-harae. The practice of temizu is said to be a simplified form of this purification ritual.
At the temizuya, follow these steps:
- Hold the ladle in your right hand and pour water over your left hand.
- Switch the ladle to your left hand and pour water over your right hand.
- Hold the ladle in your right hand again. Pour a little water into your left hand and gently rinse your mouth from your left hand. When letting the water out, cover your mouth with your hand so it is not visible. Do not touch the ladle directly to your mouth.
- Rinse your left hand once more.
- Finally, hold the ladle upright so the remaining water runs down the handle, then return it to its place.
Note: Since the spread of COVID-19, some people choose not to rinse their mouth at the temizuya.
Temizu is not just about washing the body. It is a quiet gesture of preparing yourself before entering a sacred space and approaching the kami.
