Temple Stamps or Temple Seals represent a particular temple or a shrine in Japan. The Japanese name for this is “Go-Shuin” or “ご朱印”. Some temples have multiple temple seals associated with them, representing many different gods that are present in that temple.
A temple stamp usually consists of a red colored seal and a black or blue calligraphy based description of the temple. There is usually a designated location inside the temple, where you can receive this seal (for about 300 yen). A temple priest/priestess at this location will give you the temple stamp, with calligraphy personally belonging to him/her. Travelers carry with them a temple stamp book, called “Go-Shuin-Cho”, where they get these stamps.
In most cases the temple seals are as ancient as the temple itself.
Japanese travelers, collect them with extreme enthusiasm when they visit the temples. During my visits to many temples in Japan, I have collected some of these stamps myself, here is a portion of them. I think they are extremely beautiful.
Hope you enjoy!!!!
Alo Japan.