Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社, Yasaka-jinja), once called Gion Shrine (祇園神社, Gion-jinja), is a Shinto shrine in the Gion District of Kyoto, Japan. Situated at the east end of Shijō-dōri (Fourth Avenue), the shrine includes several buildings, including gates, a main hall and a stage. The Yasaka shrine is dedicated to Susanoo as its chief kami, with his consort Kushinadahime on the east, and eight offspring deities (yahashira no mikogami) on the west. The yahashira no mikogami include Yashimajinumi no kami, Itakeru no kami, Ōyatsuhime no kami, Tsumatsuhime no kami, Ōtoshi no kami, Ukanomitama no kami, Ōyatsuhiko no kami, and Suseribime no mikoto.[1]

Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社, Yasaka-jinja)
Yasaka Shrine
Religion
AffiliationShinto
Location
LocationGion, Kyoto, Japan
Shown within Japan
Geographic coordinates35°00′13″N 135°46′43″E
Architecture
Date established656
Glossary of Shinto

History

Initial construction on the Shrine began in 656. The Shrine became the object of Imperial patronage during the early Heian period.[2] In 965, Emperor Murakami ordered that Imperial messengers be sent to report important events to the guardian kami of Japan. These heihaku were initially presented to 16 shrines;[3] and in 991, Emperor Ichijō added three more shrines to Murakami's list. Three years later in 994, Ichijō refined the scope of that composite list by adding Umenomiya Shrine and Gion Shrine.[4]

From 1871 through 1946, Yasaka Shrine was officially designated one of the Kanpei-taisha (官幣大社), meaning that it stood in the first rank of government supported shrines.[5]

Matsuri

In 869 the mikoshi (divine palanquin) of Gion Shrine were paraded through the streets of Kyoto to ward off an epidemic that had hit the city. This was the beginning of the Gion Matsuri, an annual festival which has become world famous.

Today, in addition to hosting the Gion Matsuri, Yasaka Shrine welcomes thousands of people every New Year, for traditional Japanese New Year rituals and celebrations. In April, the crowds pass through the temple on their way to Maruyama Park, a popular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) site. Lanterns decorate the stage with the names of festival sponsors.

  • Main gate of the Yasaka shrine.
  • Stage at night
  • Crowds during the Gion Matsuri
  • A statue outside of the shrine.
  • The mikoshi of the Yasaka shrine.

See also

Notes
  1. "Mikogami". Encyclopedia of Shinto. 21 April 2005. Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  2. Breen, John et al. (2000). Shinto in History: Ways of the Kami, pp. 74-75.
  3. Ponsonby-Fane, Richard. (1962). Studies in Shinto and Shrines, pp. 116-117.
  4. Ponsonby-Fane, Shrines, p. 118.
  5. Ponsonby-Fane, Richard. (1959). The Imperial House of Japan, pp. 126.

References
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