cold-water ablutions; purification by cold water
Refers to a Shinto or Buddhist practice of pouring cold water over oneself or standing under a waterfall to purify the body and spirit. Often associated with ascetic training or ritual cleansing.
The ascetic performed cold-water ablutions under the waterfall.
There is a custom of performing purification by cold water in the river near the shrine.
cold-water ablutions in winter
cold-water purification; ritual bathing in cold water
The kanji 垢 (dirt, grime) and 離 (separation) are used as ateji for their phonetic values, suggesting the idea of separating from impurities. The reading こり is of uncertain origin.