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 (往馬坐伊古麻都比古神社)". This shrine is also known as "Ikoma-Taisha", which means "great shrine of Ikoma".
| Ikoma Shrine 往馬坐伊古麻都比古神社 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Shinto |
| Deity | Ikomatsu-Hikono-Kami Ikomatsu-Himeno-Kami Okinaga-Tarashihimeno-Mikoto Tarashinakatsu-Hikono-Mikoto Hondawakeno-Mikoto Katsuragi-Takanukahimeno-Mikoto Okinaga-Sukuneono-Mikoto |
| Festival | 10 October |
| Location | |
| Location | 1527-1 Ichibu-chō Ikoma Nara prefecture |
  Shown within Japan | |
| Geographic coordinates | 34°40′41″N 135°42′13″E |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Kasuga-zukuri |
| Website | |
| www | |
| Glossary of Shinto | |
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 (in Japanese)
- 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.
Gallery
A torii at Ikoma Jinja