Feel the serene atmosphere wash over you. We are standing before Tamao Inari Shrine. This Shinto shrine is dedicated to Inari. Inari is the kami of rice, prosperity, and foxes.
What makes Tamao Inari Shrine so special? It is its connection to both Shinto and Buddhist traditions. Inari shrines are found within both religions throughout Japan.
Let’s delve into the origins of Inari. Legend says Hata no Irogu used sticky rice for target practice. When an arrow pierced the rice, it became a white bird. The bird flew to Mount Mitsumine and turned back into rice plants.
The development of Inari shrines began in the ninth century. Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, appointed Inari as the protector kami for Toji temple in Kyoto. Kobo Daishi recognized Inari’s significance. He built a shrine and inscribed it with characters for “rice” and “sack”.
Inari worship spread. It started with the kami’s adoption as a yashikigami. This was an estate deity enshrined on family land. Merchants in developing cities adopted Inari as the kami of business. Dividing and re-enshrining deities became common in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This increased the status of the deity’s town or patron.
Many variations of Inari origin myths exist. These myths changed based on local worship practices. The term “Inari” encompasses various deities and beliefs.
When Buddhism arrived in Japan, temples were attached to Shinto shrines. This blurred the lines between the two religions. In the 12th century, Prince Kangan Giin dreamed of the goddess Dakini-Shinten riding a white fox. Dakini-Shinten became the manifestation of Ukanomitama-no-mikoto.
During the Meiji Restoration, Buddhism separated from Shinto. Buddhist Inari temples survived. They asserted Kangan Giin’s belief. They claimed they primarily worshipped Dakini-Shinten. They said respect was paid to the fox only as her companion.
Inari shrines are marked by vermilion torii gates. Images of foxes often adorn the entrances. Worshippers often dress the foxes in red yodarekake bibs as a sign of respect. The color red identifies Inari.
The kitsune statues typically come in pairs. Each represents a male and female fox. They hold symbolic items like jewels or keys. Sheaves of rice or fox cubs are also popular. Almost every Inari shrine has these statues.
Offerings of rice and sake are given to appease the kitsune messengers. Worshippers expect them to plead with Inari. Inari-zushi, a sushi roll of rice-packed fried tofu, is another popular offering. Fried tofu is believed to be a favorite food of foxes. The pointed corners of Inari-zushi resemble fox ears.
Tamao Inari Shrine is a testament to Japan’s rich religious history. It blends Shinto and Buddhist traditions. It is a place where rice, prosperity, and foxes are deeply revered. Take a moment to appreciate the unique cultural heritage that surrounds us here at Tamao Inari Shrine.