User:Immanuelle/Ikonahime no Mikoto Shrine

Immanuelle/Ikonahime no Mikoto Shrine
Immanuelle/Ikonahime no Mikoto Shrine
Religion
Affiliation	Shinto
	Glossary of Shinto

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This is a draft being worked on by Immanuelle. It may be too complex at the moment but she wants to get it ready to be an article someday. Others are free to edit it
This page was last edited by Immanuelle (talk | contribs) 6 months ago.

Ikonahime no Mikoto Shrine (伊古奈比咩命神社) also known as Shirahama Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture Japan.^[1]^[2]

It is the oldest shinto shrine in Izu.^[3]

It has a sacred mirror as its Shintai

It is a Beppyo shrine, or a shrine that is particularly notable in a certain way with a significant history to it.^[4] It is also a Myojin Taisha, a high rank of shrine in the old book Engishiki Jinmyocho^[1]

It is dedicated to the deity Ikonahime no Mikoto, who holds a place, among the gods of the Izu Islands.^[1]

It is at the tip of the Izu Peninsula. It is recognized for its roots making it the oldest spiritual site in the region. The shrine pays homage to deities with a focus on Ikonahime no Mikoto and Mishima Daimyojin accompanied by Mime, Wakamiya and Tsurugi no Miko.^[2]

Origins and Legends

The shrines history dates back, to the year of Emperor Kōan's reign when a deity was brought from Miyakejima. Initially enshrined in Shirahama before being relocated to Mishima. Legend has it that 2,400 years ago Mishima Daimigami and other deities arrived at Shirahama to establish Izus territory.^[1]

Its establishment is credited to Mishima Daimyojin, a revered figure in Shinto lore. As the story goes Mishima Daimyojin arrived at the Izu Peninsula via the Kuroshio Current under guidance from his deities. Mime, Wakamiya and Tsurugi no Miko. He selected Shirahamas tranquil setting as his abode. The legend continues with Mishima Daimyojins union with Ikonahime no Mikoto from Kamo Shrine lineage symbolizing a blend of beings and earthly sanctity.^[2]

Deities Honored

The primary deity worshiped at this shrine is Ikonahime no Mikoto, also recognized as the After The God of Mishima. Other revered deities include Mishima Daimyojin, Goddess Mime, Wakamiya and Tsurugi no Miko.^[1]

Alleged Spiritual Blessings

The shrine is known for providing blessings such as protection from adversity fostering ties ensuring safety promoting bountiful harvests and business success safeguarding childbirth and traffic conditions, as well as enhancing household prosperity.^[1]

Architectural Details

Documented in the Engishiki Jinmyocho compiled in December 927 AD highlights its religious significance.^[1]

In the temple grounds there are 26 temples collectively referred to as Nijuroku Sha Shrine, established in 1921. These divine beings were originally revered individually in each home, within the shrines community.^[1]

Pilgrimages and Festivities

The temple holds ceremonies and events that honor the historical and spiritual legacy of the Izu Islands. Visitors have the opportunity to participate in prayers and rituals showing respect to the deities and seeking their blessings.^[1]

The Hitachi Festival

One of the events, on Shirahama Shrines agenda is the lively Hitachi Festival held towards late October.^[2]

The festival acts as a guiding light marking the beginning of the event of the year, across the Izu Seven Islands. The ceremonial rituals kick off with shrine priests lighting torches along the shoreline a gesture believed to alert all the deities residing on the Izu Seven Islands about the start of the festival. A branch from a tree is presented to the gods followed by a fireworks display that brightens up the night sky. As the torches fade away the grand finale comes with a fireworks show.^[2]

The day after these initial festivities sees an influx of visitors at the shrine grounds. An assortment of stalls offering goods and services. The festival also includes performances by Shirahama Daiko, a drum ensemble and Sanbaso Dance. The latter has been designated as a asset by Shimoda City underscoring the festivals role in preserving and showcasing local cultural heritage.^[2]