Thursday, November 29, 2012

Atsuta Shrine - Nagoya

 

Atsuta Shrine Main Building
Atsuta Shrine, Nagoya

 

Atsuta Shrine

 

Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi or the Sacred Sword kusanagi

The shrine is based in southern Nagoya City and is considered only second in importance to Ise Shrine in nearby Mie prefecture. The reason for the founding of the shrine was one of the three Imperial regalia (3 most sacred objects of Japan), the sacred Sword Kusanagi (kusanagi) was enshrined here over 1900 years ago. It is unclear on where the sword is actually kept which adds mystery to the site.
Kusanagi no Tsuguri is a legendary Japanese sword and one of three Imperial Regalia of Japan. It was originally called the "Sword of the Gathering Clouds of Heaven") but its name was later changed to the more popular Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi ("Grass Cutting Sword") – Wikipedia
The other two sacred objects incidentally are the Sacred Mirror (yata no kagami), held in the Ise Shrine and the Sacred Jewel which is believed to be kept in Tokyo. The main deity enshrined here is Atsuta no Okami, Or God Atsuta which is directly connected to the aforementioned sword.

Nobunaga Wall

Nagoya
Another interesting point of the shrine area is the Nobunaga bei wall which was donated to the shrine by one of the great military leaders of the 1500s warring Japan, General Nobunaga Oda, who after his decisive and critical victory at nearby Okehazama became the defacto leader of the nation states and the initiator in unifying the country at the end of the 16th century, although this unification was completed by his successor Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

Power Spot

Atsuta Shrine Power Spot - Well Hidden!

The next point is hardly known to the English world, this is the supposed ‘Power Spot’, a place where the spiritual powers are strong and your prayers have a better chance of success. There is a small path to the northeast section, just between the Purification hall and the kagura den. This path leads down to a small water canal, which has a rock jutting out. You are to splash water on this rock three times using the ladle provided and them to make your wish. A very calming location as you are surrounded by huge old trees and old growth forest lichens and dampness.

Personal Take

Atsuta Shrine the Green Patch from our Home Office
For us here at Kakemono Arts we are extremely luck to be able to see the shrine from our home/office and we often use the shrine as a great half way point along our jogging route.  Nothing like getting a prayer at a 1900 year old shrine on your weekly loop route. Dropping unwanted pounds and gaining some insight.
Drop us a comment if you have been here or are planning on visiting the shrine!

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