Culture

[Soul of Japan] The Enshrinement of Amaterasu-Omikami at Jingu

Published

5 years ago

November 10, 2019

JAPAN Forward

: The Story of Amaterasu and the Sacred Mirror, Search for a Place of Enshrinement

: Yamatohime - the Revelation of Ise as the place of Amaterasu's enshrinement

: Shogu, a Divine Palace of Amaterasu, inside Ise Jingu.

: Toyo’uke-no-Omikami, Kami of Abundant Foods, Cloth and Shelter

: Children bearing offerings of cloth at Ise Jingu

: Blessing of the Gift of Rice, guarded by Toyo'uke-no-Omikami

: Preserving the Story of Amaterasu and Finding Ise for her Place of Enshrinement

: Sacred Rice, gift of Amaterasu, Preparing for the Daijosai

: Sacred Gift of Cloth entrusted to Toyo'uke-no-Omikami by Amaterasu

: Telling the Story of Ise Jingu and the gifts of Amaterasu

: Repository of the Three Sacred Treasures and Enshrinement of Amaterasu

: Telling the Story of Ise Jingu and Enshrinement of Amaterasu

Many of Japan’s traditions and ideas are unfamiliar to those outside of Japan. Therefore, JAPAN Forward and Jinja Honcho have collaborated to bring readers an explanation of the key concepts of kami, matsuri, shrines, myths, and many other traditions and beliefs which form the core of Japanese culture.

The “Soul of Japan” series provides an introduction to Shinto and Ise Jingu, focusing in this segment on the enshrinement of the principal kami of Ise Jingu.

Amaterasu-Omikami was formerly worshiped in the Imperial Palace. However, following an epidemic, the 10th Tenno (emperor) decided to move her symbol, the sacred mirror, that she might be worshiped more respectfully and thus end the disaster.

It was the 11th Tenno who ordered his princess, Yamatohime-no-mikoto, to seek the most appropriate place to permanently enshrine and worship Amaterasu-Omikami.

It is said the princess traveled the land searching for this special place, until she received a revelation by the banks of Isuzugawa River. This is the origin of Naiku.

In the era of the 21st Tenno, some 1,500 years ago, Toyo’uke-no-Omikami was, in accordance with another revelation from Amaterasu-Omikami, summoned from the north of Kyoto Prefecture and enshrined in her present resting ground. This is the origin of Geku.

Toyo’uke-no-Omikami joins Amaterasu-Omikami in Jingu as her provider of companionship and sacred foods. She blesses us with abundant harvests and is the guardian of well-being, providing cloth, food, and shelter.

OTHER PARTS OF THE SOUL OF JAPAN SERIES: