- Ikoma Jinja
Ikoma Jinja Shrine (生駒神社, Ikoma-jinja) is a shinto shrine in Ikoma, Nara,
JAPAN . The formal name of the shrine is 'Ikomaniimasu-Ikomatsuhiko Jinja'. This shrine is also known as 'Ikoma-Taisha', meaning a '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 long relationship with 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.
Objects of Worship
Today, this shrine is dedicated to seven gods, Ikomatsu-Hikono-Kami, Ikomatsu-Himeno-Kami, Okinaga-Tarashihimeno-Mikoto, Tarashinakatsu-Hikono-Mikoto, and Katsuragi-Takanukahimeno-Mikoto, Okinaga-Sukuneono-Mikoto. Ikomatsu-Hikono-Kami and Ikomatsu-Himeno-Mikoto are understood as a husband and wife, and as Mount Ikoma itself.
Cultural Property
This shrine has the 'Ikoma-Mandara',
Mandala of Ikoma, and the Madala was selected as a national 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 '
Daijosai ' ceremony. In October, the shrine has the 'Himatsuri' or the feast of fire.References
* [http://www.ikomataisha.com/] Ikoma Taisha Official Home Page
*Nihon Kotsu Kosha, "Nara", Nihon Kotsu Kosha, 1984, p.137.
*Japanese version of WikipediaAccess
The entrance station to the shrine is Ichibu Station of
Kintetsu Ikoma Line . About 5 minute walk from the station.
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