Iwashimizu Hachiman-gū

The Iwashimizu Hachiman gū (Jap.石 清水 八 幡 宫) is one of three major Hachiman Shinto shrines in Japan and is one of the Chokusaisha. It is located on Mount Otoko in the city of Yawata, southwest of Kyoto in Japan.

The founding date of the shrine dates back to the year 859. In the Heian period, there was a shrine called Iwa - shimizu -sha, which was converted in the transfer of the capital from Nara to Kyoto to a Hachiman shrine. He thus became the bulwark against the " Demon " ( an idea from the Chinese mythology) the then capital of the country, through which the land should be protected from evil influences. This was considered so important that the Tennō among others during the Mongol invasion and the threat of Japanese coast by the Black Ships came to the shrine to pray.

The present main building was built by Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1634. Particularly well known is his gorgeous Momoyama style. Parts of the shrine are decorated in intricate hachiman - zukuri (八 幡 造).

The priesthood has remained hereditary since the founding of the shrine. The respective Priest ( Guji ) is a direct descendant of Take -no- uchi -no- Sukune, the Prime Minister of Jingū - Kogo. All shrines that received a Bunrei (see shintai ) of Iwashimizu Hachiman gū, have directly usually a side shrine ( sessha ) for Take -no- uchi -no- Sukune behind their dogs.

The dogs is divided into six parts for three Kami. This should normally remain in the back three and come up with their mind in the front three, when offered worship. In addition to a shrine ( sessha ), the three Sumiyoshi kami, together with their messengers, Isora -no- mikoto, worshiped.

Each year in early June directed the Iwa - shimizu - hachiman - gū from the Otokoyama Cherry Blossom Festival. On September 15, one commits the Iwashimizu - hard (even Minami- Matsuri ), one of the three great imperial festivals in Japan. It goes back to special instructions Go Sanjō - Tenno from the year 863. Among other things fish and birds are released and a special miko kagura dance, bringing the souls of those who died in the past year fish are to be appeased.

Especially famous are the Hamaya the shrine, sold by the each year to over 100,000.