In the Kansai area, particularly in Kyoto and Nara, there are some shrines and temples with peculiar and mysterious elements. From among them, this time, we will introduce the mysteries surrounding Fushimi-inari-taisha Shrine.
Specifically,
・Originally, what kind of shrine is Fushimi-inari-taisha Shrine?
・What is the background behind the creation of the thousand torii gates?
・Why is the approach divided into two paths?
We will delve into these points.
Mystery①Originally, what kind of shrine is Fushimi-inari-taisha Shrine?
Fushimi-inari-taisha Shrine is located in Fukakusa, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi. It is considered the head shrine of approximately 40,000 Inari shrines throughout Japan. It enshrines a deity known as Inari Ōkami. The foundation of Fushimi-inari-taisha Shrine is said to date back to the year 711. Fushimi-inari-taisha Shrine was originally enshrined as a deity of agriculture, but from the medieval to the early modern periods, it became widely revered as a ‘god of prosperous business and household safety.’ Therefore, Fushimi-inari-taisha Shrine has been attracting the faith of merchants since ancient times. Later on, it also gained the devotion of nobles and warriors, leading to the construction of numerous Inari shrines throughout the country.
Fushimi-inari-taisha Shrine is the head shrine of Inari shrines throughout the country and has become a representative power spot in Japan, drawing approximately 30 million visitors annually.
Mystery②What is the background behind the creation of the Thousand Torii Gates?
Thousand Torii Gates refers to the countless torii gates densely lining the approach to Fushimi-inari-taisha Shrine.Vermilion-painted torii gates line the two parallel approach paths without gaps, creating a tunnel-like passage.This area is said to be where the gods descended, and many torii gates are believed to have been erected as portals between the mortal realm and the otherworldly realm of the divine, known as Yūkai (the spirit world) in the afterlife.
It is said that the appearance of the Thousand Torii Gates became prominent after the year 1600, and there are various theories regarding the background as follows.
The theory of background of the birth of Thousand Torii Gate①：To demonstrate the multitude of visitors nationwide
The theory1 is to demonstrate the multitude of visitors nationwide.
Fushimi-inari-taisha Shrine is one of Japan’s leading power spots, attracting numerous visitors from across the country. Therefore, Fushimi-inari-taisha Shrine constructed the torii gates to represent the high popularity and the number of visitors. And it serves as an expression of its widespread appeal.
The theory of background of the birth of Thousand Torii Gate②：To symbolize the fox, which is considered the messenger of Inari Okami
The theory2 is to symbolize the fox, which is considered the messenger of Inari Okami.torii
Inari Okami is revered as a deity associated with prosperity in business and abundant harvests. The fox is known as a messenger of Inari Okami, and many fox statues are enshrined in Fushimi-inari-taisha Shrine. The torii gates symbolize the fox’s back and, for religious reasons, it is believed that torii gates were erected to represent the virtues of Inari Okami.
The theory of background of the birth of Thousand Torii Gate③：Dedicated as a token of gratitude for wishes that have come true
The theory3 is that torii gate has been dedicated as a token of gratitude for wishes that have come true.
Fushimi-inari-taisha Shrine has been long revered for its blessings such as prosperity in business and abundant harvests, attracting numerous worshippers throughout the years. Among them, those whose wishes have been granted express their gratitude by dedicating torii gates. This practice, rooted in the play on words that wishes ‘come true,’ has given rise to a belief in the efficacy of these gates. Over time, the tradition of dedicating larger torii gates with each granted wish became established, leading to the birth of Thousand Torii Gate as it is today.
Nowadays, this theory has become the most plausible explanation. The number of torii gates, depending on how one counts, is approximately 10,000 for the entire Inariyama Mountain, with around 800 of them considered as the Thousand Torii Gates. However, due to their wooden construction, they are susceptible to the effects of rain and wind. Because of the rapid wear and tear, on average, nearly three new gates are erected or repaired each day.
Mystery③Why is the approach divided into two paths?
The Thousand Torii Gates feature vermilion-painted gates lining the two parallel approach paths without gaps, forming a tunnel-like structure. Why were the torii gates arranged in parallel on the two paths? It doesn’t seem to be a simple arrangement of an entrance for the outbound path and an exit for the return path.
Let’s explore the mystery of the ‘Two Approach Paths.’
The theory of ‘Two Approach Paths’①：For the convenience of worshippers and to better fulfill their wishes
Fushimi-inari-taisha Shrine has been a popular destination for worshippers seeking prosperity in business since around 1600. Consequently, the approach was expanded, splitting into two paths, each lined with torii gates running in parallel on both sides.
Additionally, the Thousand Torii Gate was dedicated to fulfill the wishes of worshippers. Some theories suggest that the split arrangement of the torii gates is intended to separately fulfill the desires of worshippers, with the left side catering to wishes related to prosperity in business and academics, and the right side addressing wishes for household safety and the prosperity of descendants.
The theory of ‘Two Approach Paths’②：Reflecting Buddhist thought dating back to Indian esoteric Buddhism
Fushimi-inari-taisha Shrine primarily enshrines the deity ‘Inari Okami’, reflecting Shinto beliefs. However, from a Buddhist perspective, Inari Okami is sometimes identified with the Buddha known as Dainichi Nyorai.
From this perspective, Fushimi-inari-taisha Shrine is said to embody a syncretic philosophy that combines Shinto and Buddhism, known as ‘Ryobu Shiso.’ In this philosophy, gods and Buddhas are considered dual aspects, representing the front and back, reality and unreality, yin and yang. The division of the Thousand Torii Gate into two paths is thought to symbolize the concept of “Kontai Ni-kai” in this philosophy.
The term “Kontai Ni-kai” is written with characters used in both Shinto and Buddhism, symbolizing the deities in Shinto and the Buddhas in Buddhism. In essence, “Kontai Ni-kai” expresses the idea that the two worlds of gods and Buddhas are originally one.
The background of the two paths of the Thousand Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha represents the spiritual realm of Japan, characterized by the idea of the unity of gods and Buddhas (Shinbutsu Shugo Shiso), as well as the reflection of Indian Buddhist thought (Esoteric Buddhism). Understanding these aspects can enhance the profoundness of the visit to the Thousand Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha.
