Ikoma Shrine

Ikoma Jinja (生駒神社) is a Shinto shrine in Ikoma, Nara, Japan. Generally called Ikoma Taisha (往馬大社). The formal name of the shrine is "Ikomaniimasu-Ikomatsuhiko Jinja (往馬坐伊古麻都比古神社)". This shrine is also known as "Ikoma-Taisha", which means "great shrine of Ikoma".

Ikoma Shrine 往馬坐伊古麻都比古神社
Ikoma Shrine at Nara in Japan.
Religion
Affiliation	Shinto
Deity	Ikomatsu-Hikono-Kami Ikomatsu-Himeno-Kami Okinaga-Tarashihimeno-Mikoto Tarashinakatsu-Hikono-Mikoto Hondawakeno-Mikoto Katsuragi-Takanukahimeno-Mikoto Okinaga-Sukuneono-Mikoto
Festival	10 October
Location
Location	1527-1 Ichibu-chō Ikoma Nara prefecture
Shown within Japan
Geographic coordinates	34°40′41″N 135°42′13″E
Architecture
Style	Kasuga-zukuri
Website
www.ikomataisha.com
Glossary of Shinto

History

According to the Sokoku-Fudoki, an ancient record of Japan, this shrine was extant in 458. The original object of worship at the shrine was a mountain, Mount Ikoma, behind the shrine. This shrine has a long relationship with the Japanese royal family and the dynasty. In Engishiki, a formal record on shrines written in 972, this shrine was given the title of "Kanpei-dai" as very high rank among Japanese shrines.

Patron deities

Today, this shrine is dedicated to seven gods, Ikomatsu-Hikono-Kami, Ikomatsu-Himeno-Kami, Okinaga-Tarashihimeno-Mikoto (Empress Jingū), Tarashinakatsu-Hikono-Mikoto (Emperor Chūai), Hondawakeno-Mikoto (Emperor Ōjin), and Katsuragi-Takanukahimeno-Mikoto (mother of Empress Jingū), Okinaga-Sukuneono-Mikoto (father of Empress Jingū). Ikomatsu-Hikono-Kami and Ikomatsu-Himeno-Mikoto are understood to be husband and wife, and are embodied by Mount Ikoma itself.

Cultural Property

This shrine has the Ikoma-Mandara, or "Mandala of Ikoma", and the Mandala was selected as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government.

This shrine is also well known as a shrine of fire, and the Japanese royal family use the Shinboku or sacred woods of the shrine, as firewood at the Daijosai ceremony. In October, the shrine has the Hi-matsuri or the "festival of fire".

References

• Official website (in Japanese)
• Nihon Kotsu Kosha, Nara, Nihon Kotsu Kosha, 1984, p. 137.
• Japanese version of Wikipedia

Access

The entrance station to the shrine is Ichibu Station of Kintetsu Ikoma Line. About 5 minute walk from the station.

Gallery

• 
  A torii at Ikoma Jinja