Tokyo/New Delhi, Aug 29 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today presented a Daruma doll, considered auspicious and a good luck charm in Japanese culture, by Rev Seishi Hirose, the Chief Priest of the Shorinzan Daruma-Ji temple, in Takasaki-Gunma, Tokyo.
This special gesture reaffirms the close civilizational and spiritual ties between India and Japan.
Takasaki City in Gunma is the birthplace of the famous Daruma dolls. The Daruma tradition in Japan is based on the legacy of Bodhidharma, an Indian monk from Kancheepuram, known in Japan as Daruma Daishi, who is said to have travelled to Japan over a thousand years ago, a statement said.
PM Modi said in a post on X: “It was an honour to meet Rev. Seishi Hirose, Chief Priest of Shorinzan Daruma-Ji Temple in Takasaki-Gunma.
“My gratitude to him for presenting a Daruma Doll. Daruma is considered to be an important cultural symbol in Japan and also has a connect with India. It is influenced by Bodhidharma, a noted monk.”
