User:Immanuelle/Sugōisobe Shrine

Immanuelle/Sugōisobe Shrine
Immanuelle/Sugōisobe Shrine
	Haiden
Religion
Affiliation	Shinto
Deity	Sugōisobe no Kami. (Hoori, Toyotama-hime, Ugayafukiaezu) possibly Sukunabikona
Location
	Shown within Japan
Geographic coordinates	36°18′47″N 136°19′15″E / 36.3130°N 136.3208°E
Website
	http://www.tenjin.or.tv/
	Glossary of Shinto

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Merge this content to the proper page simple:Sugo Ishibe Shrine and fix simple:User:Immanuelle/Tsurugi Shrine too and simple:User:Immanuelle/Oagata Shrine

This is a draft being worked on by Immanuelle. It is 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) 24 hours ago.

Sugōisobe-jinja (菅生石部神社) is a Shinto shrine in Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture.^[1] It was mentioned in the Engishiki Jinmyocho of 927^[2] .

During the feudal era, it was of the second-highest rank in Kaga Province. Currently, the shrine is directly controlled by the Association of Shinto Shrines.

It is located a mile from Daishōji Station.^[3]

The shrine is renowned for hosting the Takewari Matsuri also known as the Bamboo Splitting Festival. This traditional event, rich, in heritage occurs annually on February 10. Attracts attendees and onlookers from far and wide.^[1]

It is similarly named but not related to the shrine Isobe Shrine [ja] (石部神社) located in Komatsu, Ishikawa.

Worshiped kami[change | change source]

The deity worshipped at Sugōisobe-jinja shrine is Sugōisobe no Kami. This name represents three deities, namely Hoori, Toyotama-hime no Mikoto, and Ugayafukiaezu no Mikoto.

There are several theories about the true identity of the deity at Sugōisobe-jinja shrine. Some scholars suggest that the deity is actually Sukunabikona, rather than Sugōisobe no Kami.

History[change | change source]

According to legend, Sugōisobe no Kami was brought to the area from the imperial court in 585 when a serious illness spread throughout the region. The shrine was recorded in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, a record of all shrines in Japan compiled in 927, as a shōsha^[2], and it held the second highest rank (Ninomiya) in Kaga province.

The shrine was highly respected by the imperial court and the samurai class, and in 940, the deity was elevated to shōshii no ge [ja; en:draft], a high divine rank [ja; en:draft]. Higher rank meant more lands were given to the shrine and it became wealthier and more powerful.^[4]

The Heike monogatari, a Japanese epic of the 12th century, also mentioned that Minamoto no Yoshinaka donated to the shrine.^[5]

During the Middle Ages, the entire area was incorporated into the territory of Kitano Tenmangū, and Sugōisobe-jinja came to be known as "Tenjin" due to the god worshipped there. A bull statue, associated with Tenjin, still stands as a reminder of that time.

In 1875 it had a unique Shinmon gate built for it in a semi-european style with three stories.^[6]^: 126

Festivals[change | change source]

Every year on February 10th, the Gongan Shinji festival, also known as "Takewari-matsuri," is held at Sugōisobe-jinja^[1].^[7] In 1987, Ishikawa Prefecture designated the festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Event Overview[change | change source]

The festival kicks off with a service held within the shrine grounds. Subsequently the atmosphere transforms into a celebration of energy and excitement. Young parishioners called ujiko from areas such as Shikiji and Oka don traditional garb, for the festivity. They don underclothes, hakama trousers, white tabi socks and sandals to symbolize purity and solidarity.^[1]

Ceremonial Activities[change | change source]

After getting dressed in their attire participants head out onto the snow covered temple grounds known as keidai carrying bamboo poles measuring over two meters. Demonstrating strength and unity they vigorously strike the shrines structures with the bamboo sticks as a gesture to drive away energies and safeguard the communitys well being.^[1]

An hour after this bamboo ritual a spirited tug of war contest unfolds.^[1]

Participants engage in an activity involving a rope often compared to a massive snake to demonstrate their strength and resilience. The highlight of this event is tossing the "rope snake”, off the Shikiji Bridge into the Daishōji River symbolizing the release of negativity and the embrace of vibes.^[1]

Cultural Importance[change | change source]

Onlookers and devotees at the Sugōisobe Shrine eagerly gather pieces of bamboo used during the ceremony. These bamboo fragments hold significance as talismans believed to ward off evil and bring luck. Additionally participants receive chopsticks crafted from the bamboo, known as goganbashi further integrating the festivals importance into life.^[1]

A unique custom involves fishermen from the Shiotani area who retrieve the rope snake from the river. They believe that incorporating strands of this rope into their towropes will ensure a catch highlighting their belief in the festivals symbols protective and auspicious powers.^[1]

Historical Roots[change | change source]

The Takewari Matsuri has its origins in a prayer by Emperor Tenmu for favor. The term "gogan shinji" linked with this festival reflects its background, with "gan" signifying prayer or plea.^[1]