MIE, May 02 (News On Japan) –
The Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture has begun preparations for its subsequent shikinen sengu, the ceremonial reconstruction of its shrine buildings and switch of deities held as soon as each 20 years. The course of formally commenced on May 2nd with the Yamaguchi Festival, the primary in a collection of sacred rites.
Held on the Inner Shrine, the Yamaguchi Festival marks the start of the lead-up to the 2033 shikinen sengu. During this long-standing custom, the shrine buildings are rebuilt and the enshrined deities are ritually relocated to new sanctuaries, symbolizing religious renewal and continuity.
This centuries-old follow is thought to be one among Japan’s most essential Shinto ceremonies, attracting nationwide consideration and participation. The pageant schedule will proceed to unfold over the approaching years, culminating within the full reconstruction and switch in 2033.
Commonly referred to easily as “Ise Jingu,” the Ise Grand Shrine consists of two foremost shrines: the Inner Shrine (Naiku), devoted to the solar goddess Amaterasu, and the Outer Shrine (Geku), devoted to the deity of agriculture and trade, Toyouke. Amaterasu is taken into account the mythological ancestor of the Imperial household, which makes Ise a sacred website carefully tied to Japan’s nationwide identification and heritage.
What units Ise aside is its shikinen sengu custom, through which each the shrine buildings and sacred treasures are fully rebuilt each 20 years. This 1,300-year-old ritual represents the Shinto values of renewal, impermanence, and continuity, and it serves to switch divine vitality to freshly constructed areas. Despite being newly rebuilt every time, the structure stays devoted to the unique fashion, preserving one of many oldest types of Japanese design.
The shrine will not be solely a spot of worship but in addition a significant vacation spot for pilgrims and vacationers, attracting hundreds of thousands of holiday makers every year. Access to essentially the most sacred areas is strictly restricted to high-ranking clergymen and members of the Imperial household, underscoring the shrine’s deep cultural and spiritual significance.
Source: Kyodo