Three sanctuaries stand before us at Myojinsha Shrine. This Shinto shrine safeguards local deities. Myojinsha Shrine is located at the western end of the Danjo Garan.
Kukai founded his monastic community at Koyasan. He wisely sought the support of the local deities. The mountain belonged to them. These gods are now worshipped here. They were moved from their original location. Their first home was farther down the mountain.
The Miyashiro is also known as Myojin-sha. It comprises three separate sanctuaries or honden. The two on the right have a popular Kasuga-zukuri style. They house the goddess Niu-myojin and her son, the hunter god Kariba-myojin. The third shrine was added later. It is a compound shrine. It houses two sister deities and their many attendants.
The current buildings date back to 1594. They are reconstructions. These structures are designated as important cultural properties. Nara carpenters rebuilt Myojinsha Shrine. This explains the similarities to the Kasuga-zukuri style.
Myojinsha Shrine stands as a testament to faith. It honors local gods. The shrine reflects architectural styles. It continues to be a significant cultural landmark.