Kasuga Taisha Shrine is located in the northern part of Nara Prefecture, straddling the border between the cities of Kashihara and Sakurai. Of the more than 8,000 Kasuga shrines in Japan, this shrine is known as the “head shrine” and is the most prestigious. Nara Kasuga Taisha is a venerable shrine located in the ancient capital of Japan, Nara, and its history spans more than 1,300 years. The vermilion-lacquered shrine pavilions, including the main hall, which is designated as a National Important Cultural Property, are known as a symbolic landscape of Nara. However, there are still many mysteries and mysterious traditions that have yet to be unraveled in its long history. In this issue, we will explore the various mysteries surrounding Kasuga Taisha Shrine and its mysterious charms.
Mystery of Kasuga-taisha Shrine in Nara (1) Mystery of its foundation
According to legend, Kasuga Taisha was founded in 710 (Wado 3). It is said that Fuhito Fujiwara, son of Kamatari Nakatomi, the founder of the Fujiwara clan, requested Takemikazuchi no Okami from Kashima Jingu Shrine and Futsunushi no Okami from Katori Jingu Shrine. However, there is no clear answer as to why the Fujiwara clan would invite gods from the distant East to Nara. One theory is that the Fujiwara may have sought to strengthen their political power by having powerful warrior deities from the East on their side. Another theory is that the Nakatomi clan (founder of the Fujiwara clan) originally had close ties to the East. The truth behind the construction of the shrine is an interesting mystery that intertwines the political strategies of the Fujiwara clan and ancient religious beliefs.
Mystery of Kasuga-taisha Shrine, Nara (2) Mystery of the four main shrines
The main shrine hall of Kasuga Taisha is known for its unique architectural style called Kasuga-zukuri. It should be noted that there are four main shrines in a row. This is a rare structure even in Japan. The four main deities are Amenokoyane-no-Mikoto, Himegami, Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto, and Futsunushi-no-Mikoto. These deities are collectively called “Kasuga no Omyojin. It is generally believed that one main shrine building was built for each of the four main deities, but there is some debate as to whether these four buildings were constructed simultaneously or whether they were added one after the other over time. The unique architectural style of Kasuga Taisha may reflect ancient religious beliefs and its role as a symbol of the Fujiwara clan’s power, making it a very interesting architectural history mystery. The details are shrouded in mystery. This unique architectural style adds to the mystique of Kasuga Taisha and may reflect the beliefs and worldview of the ancient people. The symbolism of the number four and its significance of protecting the four directions can be interpreted in various ways, but its true meaning remains a mystery to this day.
Mystery of Kasuga-taisha Shrine, Nara (3) The Mystery of the Divine Deer
Kasuga Taisha is famous for the deer that roam freely within its grounds. These deer are called “kami-deers” and are revered as the messengers of the gods of Kasuga Taisha. However, there are various theories as to why the deer came to be regarded as messengers of the gods. The most famous legend states that Takemikazuchi no Mikoto, the deity of Kasuga Taisha, descended on Kasuga Mountain riding a white deer. There are also theories that the deer played a role in protecting the sacred area and that it is related to the ancient hunting culture. The history of the coexistence of deer and humans is as old as the history of Kasuga Taisha, and the origin and development process of this relationship is one of the most interesting mysteries that show the vestiges of Japanese nature beliefs and animal worship.
Mystery of Kasuga-taisha Shrine, Nara (4) The Mystery of the Treasures
Kasuga Taisha Shrine holds approximately 3,000 treasures and is called the “Shosoin of the Heian Period” for the number and quality of its treasures. Many of these treasures were dedicated by the Emperor, the Shangri-la, the Fujiwara and other aristocrats. The “Kasuga Taisha Koshinpôjôsai” (Kasuga Taisha Ancient Treasures) represents a selection of the most valuable of the many treasures in the Kasuga Taisha collection. The collection consists of various types of treasures produced between the Heian and Kamakura periods. These treasures include costumes (clothing and ornaments), armors (swords, armor, etc.), furnishings (tools used in daily life and ceremonies), musical instruments (instruments used in gagaku music), and crafts (maki-e, metalwork, etc.). These ancient treasures are made using the highest level of craftsmanship of the time. In particular, maki-e, metalwork, and dyeing and weaving techniques are highly valued as the best of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Particularly famous examples are the “maki-e koto” and “maki-e bow. These are known as masterpieces of the arts and crafts of the dynasties. The treasures of Kasuga Taisha occupy an important place in the study of cultural properties in Japan because of their abundance, high quality, and many unexplained aspects. The mysteries that these treasures conceal reveal the depth of ancient Japanese technology, beliefs, and culture, and future research has the potential to yield new discoveries.
The Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara continues to fascinate visitors with its long history, rich cultural heritage, and unexplained mysteries.
