A hidden gem, nestled amongst the bustling streets of Kyoto, lies the Daishogun Hachi Shrine. You might be surprised by the name. It would be tempting to assume, due to the word “hachi” translating to “eight,” that the shrine is dedicated to eight deities. But you’d be partially correct. There are indeed eight divinities enshrined here, but it’s all about the celestial bodies. Daishogun, the main deity, is the protector of the stars themselves.
The shrine’s origin can be traced back to 794, the year Emperor Kanmu established Heiankyo, the ancient capital of Japan. Legend states that “Daishogun-do” was built on the northwest corner of the Imperial Palace to ward off evil spirits that are believed to come from that direction. It’s an interesting quirk of Japanese history. The practice is based on traditional yin-yang cosmology, known as “onmyodo” in Japanese.
The Hotokuden Hall displays eighty statues of Daishogun, the god, also known as the “Great General.” The shrine is also home to numerous artefacts associated with Abe no Seimei, a famous court astrologer and diviner. The eight children of Daishogun, all gods of celestial bodies, are also honored here. Imagine that: gods representing each part of the magnificent night sky, all enshrined in the same place.
You’ll be able to spot the intricate five-pointed and eight-pointed star shapes within the octagonal stone monument in front of the main hall. These figures represent a pentagram and an octagon, and are believed to be highly auspicious symbols. It’s believed that they bring good luck and protection to all those who cross their path.
The shrine itself is a haven of peace, a place for reflection and introspection. There’s a certain kind of tranquility here, a calmness that settles upon you as you wander amidst the ancient trees, a sense of reverence, a place where you can feel the weight of history, culture, and faith. The Daishogun Hachi Shrine is a captivating example of the enduring power of belief in the celestial bodies and their influence on our lives.