Ikoma Shrine
Ikoma Jinja (生駒神社) is a Shinto shrine in Ikoma, Nara, Japan. Generally called Ikoma Taisha (往馬大社). The formal name of the shrine is "Ikomaniimasu-Ikomatsuhiko Jinja". This shrine is also known as "Ikoma-Taisha", which means "great shrine of Ikoma".
History
According to the Sokoku-Fudoki, an ancient record of Japan, this shrine was extant in 458. The original object of worship at the shrine was a mountain, Mount Ikoma, behind the shrine. This shrine has a long relationship with the Japanese royal family and the dynasty. In Engishiki, a formal record on shrines written in 972, this shrine was given the title of "Kanpei-dai" as very high rank among Japanese shrines.
Patron deities
Today, this shrine is dedicated to seven gods, Ikomatsu-Hikono-Kami, Ikomatsu-Himeno-Kami, Okinaga-Tarashihimeno-Mikoto (Empress Jingū), Tarashinakatsu-Hikono-Mikoto (Emperor Chūai), Hondawakeno-Mikoto (Emperor Ōjin), and Katsuragi-Takanukahimeno-Mikoto (mother of Empress Jingū), Okinaga-Sukuneono-Mikoto (father of Empress Jingū). Ikomatsu-Hikono-Kami and Ikomatsu-Himeno-Mikoto are understood to be husband and wife, and are embodied by Mount Ikoma itself.
Cultural Property
This shrine has the Ikoma-Mandara, or "Mandala of Ikoma", and the Mandala was selected as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government.
This shrine is also well known as a shrine of fire, and the Japanese royal family use the Shinboku or sacred woods of the shrine, as firewood at the Daijosai ceremony. In October, the shrine has the Hi-matsuri or the "festival of fire".
References
- Official website
- Nihon Kotsu Kosha, Nara, Nihon Kotsu Kosha, 1984, p. 137.
- Japanese version of Wikipedia
Access
The entrance station to the shrine is Ichibu Station of Kintetsu Ikoma Line. About 5 minute walk from the station.
Coordinates: 34°40′41″N 135°42′13″E / 34.67806°N 135.70361°E
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