votive light; offering lamp
A lamp, candle, or other light offered at a shrine or temple. Often used in the context of Buddhist or Shinto rituals. Compare with 御明かし (みあかし).
See also: 御明かし (みあかし)
A votive light was lit in the main hall of the shrine.
During Obon, we offer votive lights to guide the spirits of our ancestors.
Standard modern spelling.
Traditional spelling using 燈, the older form of 灯.
Composed of 宝 (treasure) and 灯 (light/lamp). The term likely originated in religious contexts to describe a light offered as a precious gift to a deity or Buddha.