“A king without a country.” Does that sound like the start of a fairy tale? Here at the Daigomonjinja Shrine it is history.
Welcome to Daigomonjinja Shrine. This shrine’s story is intertwined with a king’s exile and a people’s resilience. It is a place where ancient legends meet tangible history.
Daigomonjinja Shrine was founded in 718. Legend says it all began in the Nara period. King Teikaio, the 47th Emperor sought to create a place of worship to honor an important family. This legacy began long before the temples construction.
Our story begins with Teikaio’s reign and a message from the heavens. It was said that a man of royal blood was seeking refuge in a foreign land. This man was called Teikaio and he was tasked to find the place where Kannon Bodhisattva first appeared.
Our narrative shifts to Paekche, a kingdom in ancient Korea. Political turmoil forced King Teikaio to flee. With his sons, Prince Fukuchi and Prince Hoechi, the king sought asylum. They landed on the shores of Hyuga, what is now modern day Japan.
The local lord Itomi Taro aided the exiled king. King Teikaio eventually settled in the area now known as Mimato. Prince Fukuchi resided in what is now Kijo Town. “The Chronicle of Daigomonjinja Shrine” speaks of this time. The chronicle tells of the king’s arrival and his subsequent death.
After his death King Teikaio was enshrined as a deity. He was not forgotten. Today Daigomonjinja Shrine stands as a testament to King Teikaio’s journey. The main deities enshrined here are Oyamatsumi no Kami and Iwarehiko no Mikoto.
Daigomonjinja Shrine is also known for its annual Shushi Matsuri festival. Held in December, this festival reenacts King Teikaio’s journey. A unique ritual involves participants painting their faces with ink.
The shrine’s main hall is designated an Important Cultural Property. Its architecture reflects the distinctive Shichikan Nagare-zukuri style. This features seven bays. Over a thousand ancient weapons are stored in the roof.
Daigomonjinja Shrine also houses cultural treasures. Thirty-three ancient mirrors are a prefectural cultural asset. These mirrors reflect different eras. They also include mirrors from the Han, Sui, and Tang dynasties.
Here at Daigomonjinja Shrine, you are not just seeing a building. You are touching a story of exile, acceptance, and the enduring power of faith. Take a moment to reflect on the king. Consider also the people who built this shrine.