Sogano Yashira image
audio

Sogano Yashira / Izumo Taisha

The Sogano Yashira is a small shrine that is located behind the main hall of Izumo-taisha Shrine. For many visitors to Izumo-taisha, this shrine holds a special place in the hearts of those in the know. Its history and the depth of its beliefs give it a unique charm that differs from that of the main shrine. The main deity of the shrine is Susanoo-no-Mikoto, a mythological hero and the god of land creation. Susanoo-no-Mikoto is a wild but compassionate being in Japanese mythology, and there are tales of his heroic defeat of the Yamata-no-orochi and episodes in which he is said to have later spent time in the land of roots (the underworld). The Shrine of the Goose, which enshrines this deity, celebrates its spiritual power and welcomes worshippers deep within the shrine grounds. The architectural style of this shrine is the Taisha-zukuri style, the same as the main hall of Izumo-taisha, but its scale is modest, creating a mysterious atmosphere. Behind the shrine is Yakumo Mountain, which is said to lead to the Land of Roots, where Susanoo-no-Mikoto is said to have ruled, and this makes the shrine even more sacred. This place has been believed by many people since ancient times to be the mythical setting of the Izumo gods and a place where myth and reality intersect. It is also believed that Sogano Yashira is beneficial in warding off evil and purifying the body. Behind this lies the belief that Susanoo-no-Mikoto's power as an Ara-mitama has the power to ward off misfortune and purify the body. Worshippers hope to purify their bodies and minds and gain new strength by visiting Sogano Yashira. Thus, as an important counterpart to the main shrine, the Sogano Yashira embodies the depths of mythology and the faith of the people within the precincts of Izumo-taisha. Its serene appearance and the harmony of the natural surroundings provide visitors with a special experience, and it has been revered as a precious place of prayer from ancient times to the present.


Nearby Audio Locations

Loading...