Isonokami Shrine
Encyclopedia
is a Shinto shrine located in the hills of Tenri
in Nara prefecture
, Japan
. It is one of the oldest extant Shinto shrines in Japan and has housed several significant artifacts
.
Isonokami shrine was highly regarded in the ancient era, and frequented by many members of the imperial family
. It played a pivotal role in Japan's early history, especially during the 3rd to 5th centuries.
The shrine is at the northern end of the Yamanobe no michi, the oldest road in Japan.
was initially worshipped at Isonokami shrine.
Isonokami Shrine was supposedly built on the 7th year of Sujin
's reign, or the year 4 AD. However, there is little record of Sujin's existence or identity, and therefore the claim is deemed legendary. The construction of a structure that can be identified as a Shinto shrine in the Isonokami area probably dates two or three centuries later. Despite this, it is not unlikely that the Isonokami area was considered a sacred site during that time, as archeological digs have found many ritual objects, and Isonokami worship was already firmly established when they were adopted by the Yamato leaders in the 4th century.
Early records show that the shrine was an emerging center of Yamato
power, flavored with a military overtone. Archeological evidences shows that around the 4th century, Yamato kings and nobility constructed more and more palaces and buildings in the shrine's vicinity. Prior to this, the Yamato leaders identified with kami worshipped at Mount Miwa
, but may have turned to Isonokami for its martial implications. Myths written in the Nihon Shoki
clearly attempt to link the Yamato court to Isonokami shrine. According to the Nihon Shoki, Emperor Suinin
's eldest son, Prince Inishiki ordered a thousand swords made and was placed in charge of Isonokami's treasures. He then founded the Mononobe clan, who patronized the shrine for many generations. Indeed, many of the state's iron weaponry were kept in the shrine's storehouses. When the Mononobe clan collapsed, it was reformed as the Isonokami clan.
The shrine became the object of Imperial patronage during the early Heian period
. In 965, Emperor Murakami
ordered that Imperial messengers were sent to report important events to the guardian kami of Japan. These heihaku were initially presented to 16 shrines including the Isonokami Shrine.
From 1871 through 1946, the Isonokami Shrine was officially designated one of the , meaning that it stood in the first rank of government supported shrines.
Isonokami shrine is surrounded by Japanese cedar (sugi), and is known for its quiet solemnity. A waka
poem from the Man'yōshū anthology mentions Isonokami shrine, surrounded by holy cedar trees.
The current site of Isonokami shrine may have been the site of an earlier religious structure, the Izumo shrine. This is suspected because of a secondary shrine to Izumo Takeo found near the main shrine, but on higher ground. Since secondary shrines are never built higher than the principal shrine, some have concluded that it was an older structure that stood before the current one.
The honden
, or main hall, is built in the nagare-zukuri
style.
, the first Emperor of Japan
. However, the supposed sword itself is not in Isonokami shrine, but in Kashima Shrine
, Ibaraki
.
The Nanatsusaya-no-Tachi
, a seven-branched sword, is housed in Isonokami shrine. It was given to the Yamato king by the crown prince of Baekje
, a kingdom on the Korean Peninsula
. The sword has been kept in Isonokami shrine since ancient times, perhaps as early as the 4th century when it was received from Baekje. It was rediscovered in 1873, and its gold inlaid inscription has proven to be a valuable historical resource. The sword is currently not available for public viewing.
The Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi
, a legendary sword, is also said to be kept at Isonokami shrine. It is one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan
. According to the Kojiki
, the sword was used by the god Susanoo
to slay the Yamata-no-Orochi, a giant serpent with eight heads and eight tails. Unfortunately, priests at the shrine will not allow anyone to see or inspect the sword.
Ten treasures brought by Amenohiboko
are thought to be housed in Isonokami shrine. According to the Nihon Shoki
, Amenohiboko was a prince from Korea who settled in Japan. The ten treasures he brought are known as the Tokusa-no-Kandakara, and they are as follows.
Tenri, Nara
is a city located in Nara, Japan. Tenri is the only city in Japan to be named after a religious group, the new religious movement Tenrikyo which has its headquarters in the city and believes it to be one among other energy centers of the world. Tenrikyo had recommended the name Yamabe, which is the...
in Nara prefecture
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. It is one of the oldest extant Shinto shrines in Japan and has housed several significant artifacts
Artifact (archaeology)
An artifact or artefact is "something made or given shape by man, such as a tool or a work of art, esp an object of archaeological interest"...
.
Isonokami shrine was highly regarded in the ancient era, and frequented by many members of the imperial family
Imperial House of Japan
The , also referred to as the Imperial Family or the Yamato Dynasty, comprises those members of the extended family of the reigning Emperor of Japan who undertake official and public duties. Under the present Constitution of Japan, the emperor is the symbol of the state and unity of the people...
. It played a pivotal role in Japan's early history, especially during the 3rd to 5th centuries.
The shrine is at the northern end of the Yamanobe no michi, the oldest road in Japan.
History
It is unknown which kamiKami
is the Japanese word for the spirits, natural forces, or essence in the Shinto faith. Although the word is sometimes translated as "god" or "deity", some Shinto scholars argue that such a translation can cause a misunderstanding of the term...
was initially worshipped at Isonokami shrine.
Isonokami Shrine was supposedly built on the 7th year of Sujin
Emperor Sujin
; also known as Mimakiiribikoinie no Sumeramikoto or Hatsukunishirasu Sumeramikoto; was the tenth emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession....
's reign, or the year 4 AD. However, there is little record of Sujin's existence or identity, and therefore the claim is deemed legendary. The construction of a structure that can be identified as a Shinto shrine in the Isonokami area probably dates two or three centuries later. Despite this, it is not unlikely that the Isonokami area was considered a sacred site during that time, as archeological digs have found many ritual objects, and Isonokami worship was already firmly established when they were adopted by the Yamato leaders in the 4th century.
Early records show that the shrine was an emerging center of Yamato
Yamato period
The is the period of Japanese history when the Japanese Imperial court ruled from modern-day Nara Prefecture, then known as Yamato Province.While conventionally assigned to the period 250–710 , the actual start of Yamato rule is disputed...
power, flavored with a military overtone. Archeological evidences shows that around the 4th century, Yamato kings and nobility constructed more and more palaces and buildings in the shrine's vicinity. Prior to this, the Yamato leaders identified with kami worshipped at Mount Miwa
Mount Miwa
or is a mountain located in the city of Sakurai, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It has been an important religious and historical mountain in Japan, especially during its early history, and serves as a holy site in Shinto. The entire mountain is considered sacred, and is home to one of the earliest...
, but may have turned to Isonokami for its martial implications. Myths written in the Nihon Shoki
Nihon Shoki
The , sometimes translated as The Chronicles of Japan, is the second oldest book of classical Japanese history. It is more elaborate and detailed than the Kojiki, the oldest, and has proven to be an important tool for historians and archaeologists as it includes the most complete extant historical...
clearly attempt to link the Yamato court to Isonokami shrine. According to the Nihon Shoki, Emperor Suinin
Emperor Suinin
; also known as Ikumeiribikoisachi no Mikoto; was the 11th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 29 BC–AD 70....
's eldest son, Prince Inishiki ordered a thousand swords made and was placed in charge of Isonokami's treasures. He then founded the Mononobe clan, who patronized the shrine for many generations. Indeed, many of the state's iron weaponry were kept in the shrine's storehouses. When the Mononobe clan collapsed, it was reformed as the Isonokami clan.
The shrine became the object of Imperial patronage during the early Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
. In 965, Emperor Murakami
Emperor Murakami
was the 62nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.Murakami's reign spanned the years from 946 to his death in 967.-Traditional narrative:...
ordered that Imperial messengers were sent to report important events to the guardian kami of Japan. These heihaku were initially presented to 16 shrines including the Isonokami Shrine.
From 1871 through 1946, the Isonokami Shrine was officially designated one of the , meaning that it stood in the first rank of government supported shrines.
Architecture
Waka (poetry)
Waka or Yamato uta is a genre of classical Japanese verse and one of the major genres of Japanese literature...
poem from the Man'yōshū anthology mentions Isonokami shrine, surrounded by holy cedar trees.
The current site of Isonokami shrine may have been the site of an earlier religious structure, the Izumo shrine. This is suspected because of a secondary shrine to Izumo Takeo found near the main shrine, but on higher ground. Since secondary shrines are never built higher than the principal shrine, some have concluded that it was an older structure that stood before the current one.
The honden
Honden
The , is the most sacred building at a Shinto shrine, intended purely for the use of the enshrined kami, usually symbolized by a mirror or sometimes by a statue. The building is normally in the rear of the shrine and closed to the general public. In front of its usually stands the haiden, or...
, or main hall, is built in the nagare-zukuri
Nagare-zukuri
The or is a traditional Shinto shrine architectural style characterized by a very asymmetrical gabled roof projecting outwards on one of the non-gabled sides, above the main entrance, to form a portico . This is the feature which gives it its name. It is the most common style among shrines all...
style.
Enshrined
The main enshrined dedication is to Futsu-no-mitama, the kami of a legendary sword (futsu-no-mitama-no-tsurugi) that was purportedly used by Emperor JimmuEmperor Jimmu
was the first Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He is also known as Kamuyamato Iwarebiko and personally as Wakamikenu no Mikoto or Sano no Mikoto....
, the first Emperor of Japan
Emperor of Japan
The Emperor of Japan is, according to the 1947 Constitution of Japan, "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people." He is a ceremonial figurehead under a form of constitutional monarchy and is head of the Japanese Imperial Family with functions as head of state. He is also the highest...
. However, the supposed sword itself is not in Isonokami shrine, but in Kashima Shrine
Kashima Shrine
Kashima Shrine is a shrine dedicated to the Shinto kami Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto , one of the patron deities of martial arts. Dojo of kenjutsu and kendo sometimes display a kakejiku emblazoned with Kashima Taishin...
, Ibaraki
Ibaraki Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan, located in the Kantō region on the main island of Honshu. The capital is Mito.-History:Ibaraki Prefecture was previously known as Hitachi Province...
.
Artifacts
Seven-Branched Sword
The Seven-Branched Sword , also known as the Seven-Pronged Sword, the Seven-Branched Knife, the Seven-Pronged Spear, Nanatsusaya no Tachi in Nihon shoki, Chiljido in Korea is a 74.9 cm long iron sword with six branch-like protrusions along the central blade originally made in Baekje Korea,...
, a seven-branched sword, is housed in Isonokami shrine. It was given to the Yamato king by the crown prince of Baekje
Baekje
Baekje or Paekche was a kingdom located in southwest Korea. It was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, together with Goguryeo and Silla....
, a kingdom on the Korean Peninsula
Korean Peninsula
The Korean Peninsula is a peninsula in East Asia. It extends southwards for about 684 miles from continental Asia into the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by the Sea of Japan to the south, and the Yellow Sea to the west, the Korea Strait connecting the first two bodies of water.Until the end of...
. The sword has been kept in Isonokami shrine since ancient times, perhaps as early as the 4th century when it was received from Baekje. It was rediscovered in 1873, and its gold inlaid inscription has proven to be a valuable historical resource. The sword is currently not available for public viewing.
The Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi
Kusanagi
is a legendary Japanese sword and one of three Imperial Regalia of Japan. It was originally called but its name was later changed to the more popular Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi .-Legends:...
, a legendary sword, is also said to be kept at Isonokami shrine. It is one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan
Imperial Regalia of Japan
The , also known as the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan, consist of the sword Kusanagi , the mirror Yata no Kagami , and the jewel Yasakani no Magatama...
. According to the Kojiki
Kojiki
is the oldest extant chronicle in Japan, dating from the early 8th century and composed by Ō no Yasumaro at the request of Empress Gemmei. The Kojiki is a collection of myths concerning the origin of the four home islands of Japan, and the Kami...
, the sword was used by the god Susanoo
Susanoo
, also known as is the Shinto god of the sea and storms. He is also considered to be ruler of Yomi.-Myths:In Japanese mythology, Susanoo, the powerful storm of Summer, is the brother of Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun, and of Tsukuyomi, the god of the moon. All three were born from Izanagi, when...
to slay the Yamata-no-Orochi, a giant serpent with eight heads and eight tails. Unfortunately, priests at the shrine will not allow anyone to see or inspect the sword.
Ten treasures brought by Amenohiboko
Amenohiboko
was a legendary prince of Silla who settled in Japan during the era of Emperor Suinin, around the 3rd or 4th century and he lived in Tajima Province. And his descendant is Tajima Clan...
are thought to be housed in Isonokami shrine. According to the Nihon Shoki
Nihon Shoki
The , sometimes translated as The Chronicles of Japan, is the second oldest book of classical Japanese history. It is more elaborate and detailed than the Kojiki, the oldest, and has proven to be an important tool for historians and archaeologists as it includes the most complete extant historical...
, Amenohiboko was a prince from Korea who settled in Japan. The ten treasures he brought are known as the Tokusa-no-Kandakara, and they are as follows.
- Okitsu-kagami (A mirrorMirrorA mirror is an object that reflects light or sound in a way that preserves much of its original quality prior to its contact with the mirror. Some mirrors also filter out some wavelengths, while preserving other wavelengths in the reflection...
) - Hetsu-kagami (A mirror)
- Yatsuka-no-tsurugi (A sword)
- Iku-tama (A jewel)
- Makarukaheshi-tama (A jewel)
- Taru-tama (A jewel)
- Chikaheshi-no-tama (A jewel)
- Orochi-no-hire (A type of long scarf worn by women)
- Hachi-no-hire (A type of long scarf worn by women)
- Kusagusa-no-mono-no-hire (A type of long scarf worn by women)
National Treasures of Japan
- The haidenHaiden (Shinto)In Shinto shrine architecture, the is the hall of worship or oratory. It is generally placed in front of the shrine's main sanctuary and often built on a larger scale than the latter. The haiden is often connected to the honden by a heiden, or hall of offerings...
, or hall of worship, with irimoyaIrimoyaA xieshan style or roof in Japanese architecture is a hip roof integrated on two opposing sides with a gable. It can be also described in English as a hip-and-gable, gablet, or Dutch gable roof...
style roofing, Kamakura periodKamakura periodThe is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 in Kamakura by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo.... - The haiden at the Izumo Takeo secondary shrine
- The Nanatsusaya-no-Tachi
Important Cultural Properties
- The rōmonRōmonThe is one of two types of two-storied gate presently used in Japan . Even though it was originally developed by Buddhist architecture, it is now used at both Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Its otherwise normal upper story is inaccessible and therefore offers no usable space...
, or main gate - Two iron shields from the Kofun periodKofun periodThe is an era in the history of Japan from around 250 to 538. It follows the Yayoi period. The word kofun is Japanese for the type of burial mounds dating from this era. The Kofun and the subsequent Asuka periods are sometimes referred to collectively as the Yamato period...
- Several pieces of breastplateBreastplateA breastplate is a device worn over the torso to protect it from injury, as an item of religious significance, or as an item of status. A breastplate is sometimes worn by mythological beings as a distinctive item of clothing.- Armour :...
armor - Several unearthed artifacts (magatamaMagatamaMagatama , are curved beads which first appeared in Japan during the Jōmon period.They are often found inhumed in mounded tumulus graves as offerings to deities . They continued to be popular with the ruling elites throughout the Kofun Period of Japan, and are often romanticised as indicative of...
, necklaceNecklaceA necklace is an article of jewellery which is worn around the neck. Necklaces are frequently formed from a metal jewellery chain. Others are woven or manufactured from cloth using string or twine....
s, ring-pommel sabers, etc.)
Others
- Ornate red ō-yoroiO-yoroiThe Ō-Yoroi is a prominent example of early Japanese armor worn by the samurai class of feudal Japan. The term ō-yoroi means "great armor."-History:...
- Black lacquered kabutoKabutoA kabuto is a helmet used with traditional Japanese armour as worn by the samurai class and their retainers in feudal Japan....
, various helms - Kokitsunemaru, an ōdachiOdachiAn , was a type of long Japanese sword. The term nodachi, or "field sword", which refers to a different type of sword, is often mistakenly used in place of ōdachi. It is historically known as ōtachi....
forged by Sanjō Munechika
Annual celebrations
- Japanese New YearJapanese New YearThe is one of the most important annual festivals, with its own unique customs, and has been celebrated for centuries. Due to the importance of the holiday and the preparations required, the preceding days are quite busy, particularly the day before, known as Ōmisoka.The Japanese New Year has been...
(January 1) - Genji-sai (January 3)
- Furufudatakiage-sai (January 15)
- Tama-no-o-sai (Night before SetsubunSetsubunis the day before the beginning of spring in Japan. The name literally means "seasonal division", but usually the term refers to the spring Setsubun, properly called Risshun celebrated yearly on February 3 as part of the...
) - SetsubunSetsubunis the day before the beginning of spring in Japan. The name literally means "seasonal division", but usually the term refers to the spring Setsubun, properly called Risshun celebrated yearly on February 3 as part of the...
- Kinen-sai (February 19)
- Kentōkōkōsha-ōmatsuri (First Sunday of each month)
- Shunki-ōmatsuri (April 15)
- Chōjukōsha-shunki-ōmatsuri (May 3)
- Denden Festival (June 30)
- Ōharae-shiki (June 30 and December 31)
- Sūkei-kai-ōmatsuri (First Sunday of each month)
- Boujisarae-shinji (October 1)
- Furumatsuri (October 15)
- Chōjukōsha-shūki-ōmatsuri (November 3)
- Chinkon-sai (November 22)
- Niiname-no-matsuri (November 23)
- Ohitaki-sai (December 8)
- The Emperor's BirthdayThe Emperor's Birthdayis a national holiday in the Japanese calendar. It is currently celebrated on 23 December. The date is determined by the present Emperor's birthdate. Emperor Akihito was born on this date in 1933....
(December 23) - Hokura-matsuri (December 31)
- New Year's EveJapanese New YearThe is one of the most important annual festivals, with its own unique customs, and has been celebrated for centuries. Due to the importance of the holiday and the preparations required, the preceding days are quite busy, particularly the day before, known as Ōmisoka.The Japanese New Year has been...
(December 31) - Tsukinami-no-matsuri (Every 1st and 15th day of the month)
See also
- Seven-Branched SwordSeven-Branched SwordThe Seven-Branched Sword , also known as the Seven-Pronged Sword, the Seven-Branched Knife, the Seven-Pronged Spear, Nanatsusaya no Tachi in Nihon shoki, Chiljido in Korea is a 74.9 cm long iron sword with six branch-like protrusions along the central blade originally made in Baekje Korea,...
- Kusanagi no tsurugi
- List of Jingū
- List of Shinto shrines
- Twenty-Two Shrines
- List of National Treasures of Japan (temples)
- List of National Treasures of Japan (archaeological materials)
- Modern system of ranked Shinto ShrinesModern system of ranked Shinto ShrinesThe The The (sometimes called simply , was an organizational aspect of the establishment of Japanese State Shinto. This system classified Shinto shrines as either official government shrines or "other" shrines...