#attraction/shrine [Kumano Hongu Taisha (熊野本宮大社)](https://www.hongutaisha.jp/) is a shrine at [[Trails/Kumano Hongu Taisha (熊野本宮大社)|Kumano Hongu Taisha (熊野本宮大社)]], marking the end of the [[Kumano Kodo (熊野古道)]]. > [!NOTE] Yatagarasu (Origin of Sacred Crow) > In this Kumano district. Yatagarasu, sacred crows, are said to be the messengers of God. It is also said that their three legs mean three Kumano clans (Ui, Suzuki, and Enomoto). > > And we, Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine say that they show 'chi' (wisdom), 'jin' (benevolence), and 'yuu' (valor), or 'ten' (heaven), 'chi' (earth), and 'jin' (humankind), which are the virtues of main deified God "Ketsumimikonoookami" ("Susanoonomikoto"). > > The crow is generally seen as a bird of evil omen. On the other hand, because of its excellent sense of direction it is considered as a guide to unknown lands or a messenger for remote plases. In the japanese myths we can find the story that when the Emprror Jimmu Tenno came up to Kumano and lost his way in a deep mountain there. Yatagarasu showed him the way. Furthermore, in the japanese history it is said that in the era of the battle between the Genji and the Heike clans Karasuyama Castle was built in Tochigi Pref. which was the birthplase of Nasuno Yoichi, due to the legend that a crow brought a gold Gohei (an oracle) there. > > There are some similar legends in other parts of the world. > > - Scandinavia > Once upon a time two birds perched on God Ojin's shoulders, and one of them was named "thought" and the other "memory" After that every morning he set them free and made them report the things of the world. > - Ancient Greece > The crow is the symbol of God Apollo. > - Turinkeet Greece > The crow is said to have brought fire and given light to people for the first time. > > Resently soccer is one of the most populer sports among the youth. And it is interresting Yatagarasu has been the mark of JFA sinde soccer was introduced to Japan in the Meiji era. The reason it was adopted as the JF A mark might be to make sure to shoot at the opponent goal. > > And now, here at Kumano Hong Taisha Yatagarasu is still worshipped as follows: > > - For better fortune (life,accomplishment of purpose) > - For safety of transition; safety of marine, traffic (cars, bikes, etc), travel, and school attendance. > > Festivals referring to the worship of Yatagarasu > > On January 7, "Yatagarasu Sinji" ("Goou Surizome", the first Goou printing at the beginning of the year), the worship of Yatagarasu, is annually held in the twilight (at 5:00 pm), which is one of the most important festivals in all our annual schedules. > > Kumano Hongu Taisha Office ![[kumano hongu taisha IMG_7952.png]] ![[kumano hongu taisha IMG_6799.png]] ![[kumano hongu taisha IMG_7961.png]] > [!NOTE] Retual of Purification: Temizu > In Shinto, purity is respected above all else. Therefore visitors are encouraged to conduct purification called *misogi harae* before proceeding to shrine. > > 1. Pick up the ladle in your right hand and scoop up some water to wash your left hand. > 2. Transfer the ladle to your left hand and wash your right hand. > 3. Then pour some water into your left palm to rinse your mouth. > 4. Let the remaining water run down the handle to clean it. And then, return it to its original position. ![[kumano hongu taisha IMG_6781.png]] While we were visiting the shrine, we heard the bell being rung and drum being beaten. I *suspect* this was a ceremony to celebrate someone completing the [Kumano Kodo dual pilgrimage](https://www.tb-kumano.jp/kumano-kodo/dual-pilgrim/), ![[kumano hongu taisha IMG_7949.png]] ![[kumano hongu taisha PXL_20240926_064326629.png]] ![[kumano hongu taisha PXL_20240926_070201802.png]] There are four shrines contained in [Kumano Hongu Taisha (熊野本宮大社)](https://www.hongutaisha.jp). There is a gate marking the entrance to the shrines, after which you can see them lined up next to each other. ![[kumano hongu taisha IMG_6795.png]] ![[kumano hongu taisha IMG_7951.png]] > [!NOTE] Nishi-gozen _{the first shrine} > Kami: Fusumi-no-Okami (Izanami-no-Mikoto, Female creator deity.) > Buddhist Deity: Senju Kannon (Thousand Armed Bodhisattva of Mercy.) > Cosmic time: Present > [!NOTE] Naka-gozen _{the second shrine} > Kami: hayatama-no-Okami (Izanagi-no-Mikoto, male creator deity.) > Buddhist Deity: Yakushi (Medicine Buddha of healing.) > Cosmic time: Past > [!NOTE] Shojo-den _{the third shrine} > Kami: Ketsumiko-no-Okami (Susano-no-Mikoto, male offspring of Izanami-no-Mikoto and Izanagi-no-Mikoto) > Buddhist Deity: Amida > Cosmic time: Future > [!NOTE] Wakamiya _{the fourth shrine} > Kami: Amaterasu-Omikami > (The goddess of the sun, the ancestral Kami of the Emperior) Buddhist Deity: Eleven -faced Kannon) ![[kumano hongu taisha IMG_0180.png]] ![[kumano hongu taisha PXL_20240926_070927203.png]] Opposite the [[Trails/Kumano Hongu Taisha (熊野本宮大社)|Kumano Hongu Taisha (熊野本宮大社)]] entrance, there is a staircase marked by flags and a gate connecting [Kumano Hongu Taisha (熊野本宮大社)](https://www.hongutaisha.jp) with [[Tanabe (田辺市)]] and [[Attractions/Oyunohara (大斎原)|Oyunohara (大斎原)]]. ![[? kumano hongu taisha IMG_0183.png]] ![[kumano hongu taisha IMG_6813.png]] ![[? kumano hongu taisha IMG_6819.png]]