Yaegaki Shrine

Posting Izumo shrines goes on...

Yaegaki shrine (八重垣神社) is the fourth shrine I visited on day one, where Susanoo (素盞鳴尊) and his wife, Kushinadahime (櫛稲田姫), are enshrined. Ohnamuchi/Ohkuni (大己貴命) and Aohatasakusahiko (青幡佐久佐日古命), who appears as Susanoo's son in Izumo fudoki (= ancient record in Izumo province/出雲国風土記), are also enshrined. Because of that, the shrine was formerly called Sakusa Shrine (佐久佐神社).

According to the Izumo fudoki, Aohatasakusahiko was originally enshrined there. Later on, the Yaegaki shirine that had been located in the Suga district was moved into the area of Sakusa shrine and Sakusa shrine was incorporated into Yaegaki shrine. Since 1922, the shrine has been called "Yaegaki shrine".

Main Hall with thick shimenawa

Behind the Haiden hall, there is a shrine called "Yamagami shrine (山神神社)", enshrining Iwanagahime (石長姫) and her dad, Ohyamatsumi (大山祇命).

Yamagami shrine

You see the ancient style torii gate (鳥居) and the symbol of man. The enshrined deity, Iwanagahime, has a younger sister called Konohayasakuyahime (木花之佐久夜毘売). Since Konohayasakuyahime is beautiful (but Iwanagahime is not), she became the wife of Ninigi (ニニギ), a grandson of Amaterasu (天照大神).

Here is the miserable story about Iwanagahime.

Konohanasakuyahime met Ninigi on the seashore and they fell in love; Ninigi asked Ohyamatsumi, the father of Konohanasakuyahime for her hand in marriage. Ohyamatsumi was pleased to hear that because Ninigi is the grandson of Amaterasu, who descended from the heaven to rule Ashiharanonakatsukuni. Ohyamatsumi gladly offered Ninigi Konohanasakuyahime and his older daughter, Iwanagahime, as well. Since Iwanagahime is ugly, Ninigi sent her back to Ohyamatsumi and married only with Konohayasakuyahime. Ohyamatsumi's intention of offering Ninigi his two daughters was to have Ninigi and his offspring to be long-lived life like hard rock ensured by Iwanagahime and prosperity like cherry (sakura) blossoms ensured by Konohayasakuyahime. Since Ninigi chose Konohayasakuyahime only, longevity became short and fleeting, like the sakura blossoms, instead of firm and everlasting, like stones.

Due to the above incident, Iwamagahime seeks male and male symbols are dedicated to her...

The shrine is believed to be the place where Susanoo hid Kushinadahime from Yamatanoorochi.

Susanoo slaying Yamatanoorochi (Image from Wiki)

To be continued...

This is Our World Tuesday 24 June entry.

Kumano Taisha

It's time to post Kumano Taisha (熊野大社), Ichinomiya (= the highest rank) Shrine in Izumo Province (出雲国). It is also called "Hinomotohidezome no yashiro (the birthplace of making fire/日本火出初之社).

At Haiden hall of the Ichinomiya shrine in Izumo province enshrined is "Izanaginohimanako kaburogikumanoookami kusimikenunomikoto" (伊邪那伎日真名子 加夫呂伎熊野大神 櫛御気野命), decoding something like "A cherished offspring of Izanagi, a holy ancestral deity of foods in Kumano Taisha". The cryptographic name is adopted from Izumonokuninomiyatuko no kannyogoto (出雲国造神賀詞), a sort of letter/poetry submitted to the Emperor from the Governor in Izumo Province in the 8th century. Later on, in the 9th century, the enshrined deity is regarded as the same as Susanoo, one of offspring of Izanagi, according to Sendaikujihonngi (先代旧事本紀).

Yakumo bridge

Having walked across Iu river (意宇川), the second Torii welcomes you.

Zuishinmon gate in front and Haiden hall behind

To the right side Susanoo's wife,  Kushinadahime (櫛名田比売), is enshrined at Inada shrine (稲田神社). Ashinazuchi (Kushinadahime's dad - 足名椎), Tenazuchi (her mom - 手名椎), Misakinokami (御前神), Hayatamao no mikoto (速玉之男命), and Kushiyatama no mikoto (奇八玉命) are also enshrined at Inada shrine. 

To the left, there is Izanami shrine (伊邪那美神社) where Susanoo's mom, Izanami (イザナミ), as well as Hayatamao no mikoto (速玉之男命), Kotosakanoo no mikoto (事解之男命), Ohta no kami (大田神), Kunado no kami (クナド神). Haniyamahime no mikoto (埴山姫命), and Amenokoyane no mikoto (天児屋根命) are enshrined. 

When you see the red torii gate, then it's the Inari shrine (稲荷神社) enshrining Ukano mitama (ウカノミタマ), who is the offspring made between Susanoo and Kamuoochihime (神大市比売). 

White foxes can be always seen at the Inari shrine. 

Since Kumano Taisha is located in the middle of nowhere, renting a car is the easiest way to get there...