Koshikiiwa Shrine

Summary

Koshikiiwa Jinja (越木岩神社, Koshikiiwa-jinja) is a Shinto shrine in Nishinomiya, Hyōgo, Japan. The other name of this shrine is Ebisu Daijingū. The focus of this shrine is a megalith called 'Koshiki-iwa', literally, 'Rice Steamer Rock', because ancient Japanese thought the shape resembled a traditional rice steamer. The height of the megalith is 10 metres with a circumference of 40 metres. The grounds of this shrine also include an outdoor sumo dohyo and a stage, possibly used for kagura.

Koshikiiwa Jinja (越木岩神社, Koshikiiwa-jinja)
Koshikiiwa Shrine
Religion
AffiliationShinto
Location
Koshikiiwa Shrine is located in Japan
Koshikiiwa Shrine
Shown within Japan
Geographic coordinates34°45′32″N 135°19′20″E / 34.7588°N 135.3223°E / 34.7588; 135.3223
Glossary of Shinto

History edit

In the Engishiki, a document about royal ceremony in the Heian Period, Ōkuninonushi-Nishi-Jinja (大国主西神社) is cited; this shrine is believed to be today's Koshikiiwa Jinja.

About 1644, this shrine was re-constructed and, in 1656, Ebisu from Nishinomiya Shrine was enshrined there by the monk Kyōjun (教順). The present inner shrine was built in 1936, and the outer shrine was built in 1983.

Access edit

References edit

  • "in Hyōgo Pref Rokkoh Megalith Zone/Koshikiiwa-Jinjya".
  • "Koshiki-iwa Gets Upset (a folktale)"[permanent dead link]
  • Koshikiiwa Jinja on Google Maps