Itsukushima ( 厳島 ) is an island in the western part of the Inland Sea of Japan , located in the northwest of Hiroshima Bay . It is popularly known as Miyajima ( 宮島 ) , which in Japanese means "Shrine Island". The island is one of Hayashi Gahō 's Three Views of Japan specified in 1643. Itsukushima is part of the city of Hatsukaichi in Hiroshima Prefecture . The island was part of the former town of Miyajima before the 2005 merger with Hatsukaichi.
51-462: Itsukushima is famous for the Itsukushima Shrine , a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The shrine was considered a sacred site for a long time, it is possible that locals built a simple shrine on the site before the complex was built in 593 AD . In 1168 AD , Taira no kiyomori , a warrior-courtier, greatly contributed to giving the shrine its current form. In the 16th century, Toyotomi Hideyoshi ,
102-433: A country where the sutra is chanted). During the medieval period onwards, Benzaiten came to be associated or even conflated with a number of Buddhist and local deities, including the goddess Kisshōten whose role as goddess of fortune eventually became ascribed to Benzaiten in popular belief). As such, she was eventually also worshiped as a bestower of monetary fortune and became part of the set of popular deities known as
153-471: A famed Japanese warlord and shogun , built a large building, the Senjō-kaku, on a hill above the shrine. Itsukushima has a number of temples, including Toyokuni Shrine with a five-storied pagoda, and Daiganji Temple - one of the three most famous Benzaiten temples of Japan. The island is also famous for its upper hill side cherry blossoms and maple leaf autumn foliage. The island of Itsukushima, including
204-453: A middle school. There are no traffic signals. It is rural and mountainous, only 30.39 square kilometres (11.73 sq mi), and has a population of about 2000. There are no cities, only small towns with simple houses and privately owned shops. The islanders work hard to preserve the forests and respect nature . Frequent ferry services, operated by JR West ( JR Miyajima ferry ) and by Miyajima Matsudai Tourist Ship , carry traffic between
255-514: Is su (सु, traditionally read in Japanese as so ), written in Siddhaṃ script . In Japanese esoteric Buddhism ( mikkyo ), Benzaiten's main mantra is as follows: In Japan , the places of worship dedicated to Benzaiten are often called "辯天堂" ( benten-dō ) or benten-sha ( 弁天社 ) . Shinto shrines dedicated to her are also called by this name. Entire Shinto shrines can be dedicated to her, as in
306-445: Is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and the Japanese government has designated several buildings and possessions as National Treasures . The Itsukushima shrine is one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions. It is most famous for its dramatic gate, or torii on the outskirts of the shrine, the sacred peaks of Mount Misen , extensive forests, and its ocean view. The shrine complex itself consists of two main buildings:
357-480: Is one of three kami believed to be daughters of the sun goddess Amaterasu , the ancestress of the imperial family . She is also believed by Tendai Buddhists to be the essence of the kami Ugajin , whose effigy she sometimes carries on her head together with a torii (see photo below). As a consequence, she is sometimes also known as Uga ( 宇賀 ) Benzaiten or Uga Benten. The bīja or seed syllable used to represent Benzaiten in Japanese esoteric Buddhism
408-406: Is the largest structure at Miyajima Island as the name implies. Toyotomi Hideyoshi started construction of Senjokaku as a Buddhist library in which the chanting of Senbu-kyo sutras could be held for fallen soldiers. Hideyoshi died in 1598 and the building was never fully completed. Originally, Amitabha Buddha and two Buddhist saints, Ānanda and Mahākāśyapa , were enshrined in the structure until
459-502: The Golden Light Sutra ( Sanskrit : Suvarṇaprabhāsa Sūtra ), which has a section devoted to her. Benzaiten was also adopted into Shinto religion , and there are several Shinto shrines dedicated to her. As such, Benzaiten is now also associated with dragons, snakes, local Japanese deities, wealth, fortune, protection from disease and danger, and the protection of the state. Saraswati (Sanskrit: Sarasvatī ; Pali : Sarassatī )
510-449: The Buddha 's assembly and vows to protect all those who put their faith in the sutra, recite it, or copy it. In addition, she promises to increase the intelligence of those who recite the sutra so that they will be able to understand and remember various dharanis . She then teaches the assembly various mantras with which one can heal all illnesses and escape all manner of misfortune. One of
561-848: The Enoshima Island in Sagami Bay , the Chikubu Island in Lake Biwa and the Itsukushima Island in Seto Inland Sea (Japan's Three Great Benzaiten Shrines); and she and a five-headed dragon are the central figures of the Enoshima Engi , a history of the shrines on Enoshima written by the Japanese Buddhist monk Kōkei (皇慶) in 1047. According to Kōkei, Benzaiten is the third daughter of
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#1732855929837612-522: The Golden Light Sutra ) meanwhile is believed to derive from Durga's iconography. As Uga Benzaiten, she may also be shown with Ugajin (a human-headed white snake) above her head. Lastly, she is also portrayed (albeit rarely) with the head of a snake or a dragon. Benzaiten's worship also spread to Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period, and she is still venerated in certain locations in Taiwan, such as
663-547: The Kamakura period is the Kyakuden or "Guest-God's Shrine". It was not uncommon during the 12th century for the nobility to build shrines or take on other architectural projects in order to "reflect their power and splendor." The Taira clan are known specifically for their involvement in maritime trade with the Song dynasty (960–1279) and for attempting to monopolize overseas trade along
714-534: The Seven Lucky Gods ( shichifukujin ). Benzaiten is depicted a number of ways in Japanese art. She is often depicted holding a biwa (a traditional Japanese lute) similar to how Saraswati is depicted with a veena in Indian art, though she may also be portrayed wielding a sword and a wish-granting jewel ( cintāmaṇi ). An iconographic formula showing Benzaiten with eight arms holding a variety of weapons (based on
765-481: The Shingon Sect . The torii appears to be floating only at high tide . When the tide is low, it is approachable by foot from the island. Gathering shellfish near the gate is popular at low tide. At night, powerful lights on the shore illuminate the structure. The current torii dates to 1875, although there has been one on that site since 1168. Shinto architecture has many distinct parts, most of which include
816-583: The Xian Dong Yan temple in Keelung City . Due to her status as a water deity, Benzaiten was also linked with nāgas , dragons , and snakes . Over time, Benzaiten became identified with the Japanese snake kami Ugajin . She also became identified with the kami Ichikishima-hime . Benzaiten was also adopted as a female kami in Shinto , with the name Ichikishima-hime-no-mikoto ( 市杵島姫命 ) . This kami
867-564: The torii before approaching the shrine. Japan has gone to great lengths to preserve the twelfth-century-style architecture of the Shrine throughout history. The shrine was designed and built according to the Shinden-zukuri style, equipped with pier-like structures over the Matsushima bay in order to create the illusion of floating on the water, separate from island, which could be approached by
918-543: The Buddha's disciples, the brahmin Kaundinya , then praises Saraswati, comparing her to Vishnu's consort Narayani ( Lakshmi ) and declaring that she can manifest herself not only as a benevolent deity, but also as Yami , the sister of Yama . He then describes her eight-armed form with all its attributes — bow, arrow, sword, spear, axe, vajra , iron wheel , and noose . The poem describes Saraswati as one who "has sovereignty in
969-544: The Chinese 辯才天 (Bencaitian) or "great eloquence deity" (大辯天). This became the Japanese 弁財天 (Benzaiten). In East Asian Buddhism, she is one of the Twenty-Four Protective Deities ( Chinese : 二十四諸天; pinyin : Èrshísì Zhūtiān ). She remained associated with wealth, music, and eloquence and also took on aspects of a fierce protector of the state (due to the influence of the Golden Light Sutra which promises to protect
1020-641: The Daiganji Temple during the Meiji reformation. Itsukushima Shrine Itsukushima Shrine ( 厳島神社 , Itsukushima-jinja ) is a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima (popularly known as Miyajima), best known for its "floating" torii . It is in the city of Hatsukaichi , in Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan , accessible from the mainland by ferry at Miyajimaguchi Station . The shrine complex
1071-575: The Heian aristocracy as one who deviated from the social norms of Shinto pilgrimage . He lavished great wealth upon Itsukushima, and he enjoyed showing the place to his friends and colleagues, or even to royal personages..." It is also said that Kiyomori rebuilt the shrine on account of a dream he had of an old monk who promised him dominion over Japan if he constructed a shrine on the island of Miyajima, and pay homage to its kami who are enshrined there for his success in life. The renovations funded by
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#17328559298371122-550: The Honsha shrine and the Sessha Marodo-jinja, as well as 17 other different buildings and structures that help to distinguish it. Itsukushima jinja was the chief Shinto shrine ( ichinomiya ) of Aki Province . This shrine is one of the "Three Great Shrines of Aki Province", along with Take Shrine and Hayatani Shrine . The first torii on the site is said to have been erected in 593, supposedly by Saeki Kuramoto during
1173-531: The Inland Sea. Kiyomori was at the height of his power when he established the Taira dominion over the island. He "ordered construction of the main hall of Itsukushima shrine as a display of reverence for the tutelary god of navigation and to serve as a base for maritime activities..." Miyajima soon became the Taira family shrine. Supposedly, Kiyomori chose the location also for the reason to further establish himself in
1224-607: The Itsukushima Shrine is Daiganji Temple, dedicated to Goddess Benzaiten as well as three Buddhas important to Shingon Buddhism . Benzaiten Goddess in Japan has been traced to Goddess Saraswati of Hinduism in India. She is the Goddess of eloquence, music, arts, wealth and knowledge. The three Buddha in the temple are Gautama Buddha, Wisdom Buddha and Mercy Buddha. Daiganji Temple is one of
1275-560: The Meiji reformation. Then, the structure was converted into a Shinto shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Numerous votive picture tablets that had been hanging in the Itsukushima Shrine buildings until the Meiji era, have been hung on the walls inside the hall. The nearby Five-storied Pagoda constructed in 1407 (thus predating Senjokaku) enshrined Yakushi Nyorai Zazo, the Buddha of Medicine said to have been made by Kobo Daishi himself, accompanied by Fugen Bosatsu (Mercy Buddha) and Monju Bosatsu (Wisdom Buddha). The three images were moved to
1326-442: The Taira allowed for Itsukushima to "grow into an important religious complex." The Itsukushima shrine is dedicated to the three daughters of Susano-o no Mikoto : Ichikishimahime no mikoto, Tagorihime no mikoto, and Tagitsuhime no mikoto. Otherwise known as the sanjoshin or "three female deities", these Shinto deities are the goddesses of seas and storms. Kiyomori believed the goddesses to be "manifestations of Kannon ," therefore
1377-459: The case of Kamakura's Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine or Nagoya's Kawahara Shrine . Benzaiten temples or shrines places are commonly located near bodies of water like rivers, ponds, or springs due to her association with water. Benzaiten's worship became integrated with native Japanese beliefs, including serpent and dragon symbolism, as she was originally a river goddess. Benzaiten is enshrined on numerous locations throughout Japan; for example,
1428-517: The celebrated Heike Nōkyō , or "Sutras dedicated by the House of Taira ." These consist of thirty-two scrolls, on which the Lotus, Amida, and Heart sutras have been copied by Kiyomori, his sons, and other members of the family, each completing the transcription of one scroll, and it was "decorated with silver, gold, and mother-of-pearl by himself [Kiyomori] and other members of his clan." Originally Itsukushima
1479-460: The devout "like a palace on the sea." This idea of intertwining architecture and nature is reflective of a popular trend during the 16th century as well as the Heian period in which Japanese structures tended to "follow after their environment," often allowing trees, water, and other forms of natural beauty to enter into the decor of homes and buildings. That led to a far more intimate relationship between
1530-667: The holy mountain on the island. It is the 14th temple in the Chūgoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage and famous for the maple trees and their autumn colors . It is also called "Suishō-ji". As the headquarters of the Omuro branch of Shingon Buddhism, it is the most important temple of Miyajima. The temple was the administrator of the Itsukushima shrine before Meiji Restoration forbade ( Shinbutsu bunri ) syncretism ( Shinbutsu-shūgō ) between Shinto and Buddhism in 1868. Senjokaku (lit. "pavilion of 1000 mats")
1581-434: The island and the mainland at Miyajimaguchi. The trip takes about ten minutes. There is an hourly express passenger ferry to Hiroshima harbour. Miyajima's maple trees are renowned throughout Japan and blanket the island in crimson in the autumn. Momiji manjū , pastries filled with azuki jam or custard, are popular souvenirs and carry maple-leaf emblems. Many other varieties such as chocolate and cheese are available. Because
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1632-413: The island is seen as sacred, trees may not be cut for lumber. Sika deer roam freely. Deer are thought of as sacred in the native Shinto religion because they are considered messengers of the gods. They walk the streets of the city, not afraid of the tourists. The shamoji , a style of wooden paddle used to serve cooked rice without impairing the taste, is said to have been invented by a monk who lived on
1683-417: The island was understood as the home of the bodhisattva . In Japanese, the word Itsukushima translates to "island dedicated to the gods." The island itself is also considered to be a god, which is why the shrine was built on the outskirts of the island. Adding to its sanctity, Mount Misen is the tallest peak at about 1,755 feet. Tourists can either hike or take a ropeway to the top. Its treasures include
1734-431: The island. The shamoji is a popular souvenir, and there are some outsized examples around the shopping district. The peak of Mount Misen , at 535 m, is the highest point on the island. Miyajima Ropeway carries visitors to within a 30-minute hike to the top. There are several sites related to the historic Buddhist priest and founder of Shingon Buddhism , Kōbō Daishi ( 弘法大師 ) (774–835), including Daishō-in , near
1785-435: The mainland as the day of delivery approaches, as are the terminally ill or the very elderly whose passing has become imminent. Burials on the island are forbidden. To allow pilgrims to approach, the shrine was built like a pier over the water, so that it appeared to float, separate from the land. The red entrance gate, or torii , was built over the water for much the same reason. Commoners had to steer their boats through
1836-551: The people, and I have penetrated Earth and Heaven." Saraswati, like many other Hindu deities, was eventually adopted into Buddhism, figuring mainly in Mahayana texts. In the 15th chapter of Yijing 's translation of the Sutra of Golden Light ( Suvarṇaprabhāsa Sūtra ) into Classical Chinese ( Taishō Tripitaka 885), Saraswati (大辯才天女, pinyin : Dàbiàncáitiānnǚ ; Japanese: Daibenzaitennyo , lit. "great goddess of eloquence") appears before
1887-492: The reign of Empress Suiko (592–628 CE ). Although a torii has been in place at the site since 1168, the current structure dates to 1875. The present shrine has been popularly attributed to Taira no Kiyomori , a prominent noble of the Imperial Court and later Chancellor ( Daijō-daijin ), who contributed heavily to the construction of the shrine during his time as governor of Aki Province in 1168. Another renowned patron of
1938-415: The shrine at a cost of 300 yen. Benzaiten Benzaiten ( shinjitai : 弁才天 or 弁財天 ; kyūjitai : 辯才天, 辨才天, or 辨財天, lit. " goddess of eloquence", Benten , Chinese : 辯才天, Biancaitian ) is an East Asian Buddhist goddess (technically a Dharmapala , "Dharma protector") Worship of Benzaiten arrived in Japan during the sixth through eighth centuries, mainly via Classical Chinese translations of
1989-433: The shrine was Mōri Motonari , lord of Chōshū Domain , who was responsible for rebuilding the honden in 1571. As a result of waging war against Sue Takafusa there in 1555, Motonari is said to have tainted the island's grounds by battling on the island. Spilling blood violated the strict taboos meant to preserve the sacred purity associated with Shinto shrines. The only surviving structure in Itsukushima shrine from
2040-404: The shrine's honden (main hall) and the unusually long haiden (main oratory), and its equally long heiden (offertory hall). The honden "is an eight-by-four bay structure with a kirizuma roof surfaced in cypress bark." Its walls are decorated in white stucco , and were constructed using a process requiring fifteen coats of white stucco, with vermilion woodwork. Extending from
2091-473: The sides of the haraiden of the main shrine is a noh stage which dates from 1590. Noh theater performances have long been used to pay homage to the gods through the ritual acting out of key events in Shinto myth. On September 5, 2004, the shrine was severely damaged by Typhoon Songda . The boardwalks and roof were partially destroyed, and the shrine was temporarily closed for repairs. Today anyone can visit
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2142-465: The term "shrine" implies a Shinto religious structure and "temple" implies a Buddhist one. Miyajima is famous for the Itsukushima Shrine ( 厳島神社 , Itsukushima-jinja ) which is a Shinto shrine . It is known for its "floating" torii gate. The historic shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , as well as one of the National Treasures by the Japanese government. Next to
2193-400: The three most famous Benzaiten Temples in Japan, along with Enoshima Benzaiten ( Kanagawa ) and Chikubujima Benzaiten ( Shiga ). The Benzaiten is opened to the public only once every year on June 17. On this day, Miyajima holds a big festival, and people of the region visit the temple to offer their prayers. The precise date for the first construction of Daiganji Benzaiten temple is unclear. It
2244-506: The top. The island contains the Miyajima Natural Botanical Garden ( 宮島自然植物実験所 , Miyajima Shizen Shokubutsu Jikkensho ) on its north coast. People often take the short ferry ride from mainland Japan to pray at Miyajima's shrines and to marvel at the beauty of its forests. Shrines on the island include Senjokaku (Toyokuni Shrine), Five-storied Pagoda, Two-storied Pagoda, Kiyomori Shrine, and Omoto Shrine. In Japan,
2295-418: The two. The most recognizable and celebrated feature of the Itsukushima shrine, is its 50-foot (15 m)-tall vermilion otorii gate ("great gate"), built of decay-resistant camphor wood . The placement of an additional leg in front of and behind each main pillar identifies the torii as reflecting the style of Ryōbu Shintō (dual Shinto), a medieval school of esoteric Japanese Buddhism associated with
2346-465: The waters around it (part of Seto Inland Sea), lies within Setonaikai National Park . This sea is affected by strong tides . At low tide, the bottom of the sea is exposed past the island's torii . At high tide, the sea covers all the previously exposed seabed mud and fills areas underneath the shrine boardwalk. Itsukushima is mountainous and sparsely settled. It has an elementary school and
2397-500: The world", as one who is "good fortune, success, and peace of mind". It also states that she fights in battlefields and is always victorious. One key concern of the Golden Light Sutra is the protection of the state, and as such, Saraswati here also takes on some form of a warrior goddess, similar to Durga . Bernard Faure also notes that the Vach already had martial attributes, which may have been retained in some form. Saraswati became
2448-412: Was a pure Shinto shrine "where no births or deaths were allowed to cause pollution". Because the island itself has been considered sacred, commoners were not allowed to set foot on it throughout much of its history to maintain its purity. Retaining the purity of the shrine is so important that since 1878, no deaths or births have been permitted near it. To this day, pregnant women are supposed to retreat to
2499-638: Was called the " Vritra -slayer" ( Vṛtraghnī ) in the Rigveda (6.61.7) and was associated with the Maruts . She was also associated with the Ashvins , with whom she collaborates to bolster Indra 's strength by telling him how to kill the asura Namuchi . In a hymn in Book 10 of the Rigveda (10.125.6), Vach declares: "I bend the bow for Rudra that his arrow may strike and slay the hater of devotion. I rouse and order battle for
2550-556: Was originally in the Rigveda a river goddess, the deification of the Sarasvati River . She was identified with Vach (Skt. Vāc ), the Vedic goddess of speech, and from there became considered to be the patron of music and the arts, knowledge, and learning. In addition to their association with eloquence and speech, both Saraswati and Vach also show warrior traits: Saraswati for instance
2601-488: Was reconstructed around 1200 AD in the Kamakura period . The construction date of Itsukushima-jinja and Daiganji temple is estimated to be 6th century or later, and the existence of Itsukushima-jinja is confirmed by early 9th century by ancient Japanese texts. The Nihon Shoki confirms the sacredness of these Miyajama structures during the Heian Period (794-1184). Daishō-in is a historic Japanese temple on Mount Misen ,
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