User:Immanuelle/Ishizuchi Shrine

Immanuelle/Ishizuchi Shrine
Immanuelle/Ishizuchi 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.

Ishizuchi Shrine [ja; en:draft] (石鎚神社) is a Shinto shrine located in Shikoku^[1]^[2]^[3] It is located on Mount Ishizuchi.^[1]

It is a Beppyo shrine, or a shrine that is particularly notable in a certain way with a significant history to it.^[4]

Mt. Ishizuchi holds significance, as one of Japans seven mountains. Is a place of reverence for mountain worship. Konjikiin Maegamiji serves as the temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism.^[5]

It is part of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. The shrine worships Mountain Gods.^[1]

History

Ishizuchi Shrine and Maegami-ji temple [ja; de] have had an intrinsically linked set of histories, both coming from the same original origin.^[1]^[5]

Ishizuchisan Konjikiin Maegamiji, commonly referred to as Temple 64 is situated at the base of Mt. Ishizuchi, which stands tall at 1982 meters. The temples roots can be traced back to the era of Emperor Tenmu (673 686 AD). Ozunu, the founder of Shugendō had an encounter with Sakyamuni and Amida in the form of Zaō Gongen on Mt. Ishizuchi upon completing ascetic practices. In commemoration of this experience he. Enshrined statues representing them. Subsequently during Emperor Kanmu's reign (781 806 AD) a seven building temple complex was established following his recovery from illness through prayer; it was named Konjikiin/Maegamiji.^[5]

Throughout history various emperors such as Emperor Buntoku, Emperor Takakura, Emperor Gotoba and Emperor Juntoku showed devotion to the temple.^[5]

The renowned figure Kukai or Kōbō Daishi made two visits, to the temple. Partook in ascetic rituals including Goma training and fasting.^[5]

During the Edo period and beyond the temple thrived with support, from Lord Saijo of the Matsudaira clan, who even gifted a three leaved temple emblem. It underwent reconstruction in 1882 during the year of the Meiji era. Eventually became the main center of the Shingon sect.^[5]

A year on July 1st the temple hosts the "Opening of the Mountains" ceremony. This event brings together laypeople dressed in robes who recite "Nanmaida" while conch shells resonate in harmony.^[5]

Access

To reach the shrine one can embark on a short train journey from Saijo city. Travelers can board the Yosan Line Shiokaze Limited Express train from Matsuyama to Iyo Saijo station and then transfer to another train bound for Ishizuchiyama Station. A leisurely 20 minute walk from there will lead you to the shrine distinguished by its torii gate.^[1]

Surrounded by bamboo groves and moss covered cypress trees Ishizuchi jinja Shrine exudes tranquility. Within the shrine grounds stand statues depicting the tengu mountain spirits. Ascending a flight of stairs within the shrine rewards visitors with views of the Seto Inland Sea.^[1]

Facilities

Maegamiji Temple

Maegami-ji temple [ja; de]

Adjacent to Ishizuchi jinja Shrine lies Maegami-ji [ja; de] Temple as it once served as the primary sanctuary, for devotees of Mt. Ishizuchi.^[1] It was built during the rein of Emperor Tenmu.^[5] It is temple 64 of the 88 shrine pilgrimage.^[5]

Chugu Jojusha Shrine

Chugu Jojusha Shrine on the summit of Mount Ishizuchi

Within the Ishizuchi jinja Shrine compound lies the Chugu Jojusha Shrine, positioned at the beginning of the Mt. Ishizuchi Omotesando trail. This shrine marks the starting point for hikers embarking on their journey, up the mountain. Upon reaching the summit travelers will encounter another shrine affiliated with the Ishizuchi complex providing views of the surrounding mountains and Seto Inland Sea.^[1]