Historic Ise Jingu gears up for vicennial 'big move'

September 25, 2013

THE ASAHI SHIMBUN

ISE, Mie Prefecture--The final phase of Shikinen Sengu is getting under way at Ise Jingu, the home of the ancestral gods of Japan's imperial family.

In a traditional ritual held once every 20 years, the main buildings at the two shrine compounds are demolished, and new shrines are constructed on adjacent sites.

On Oct. 2, Ise Jingu will move the object of worship to its new main shrine constructed of Japanese cypress at the Inner Shrine (Naiku), in a ceremony called Sengyo no Gi. The Inner Shrine is the place of worship of Amaterasu Omikami, the goddess of the sun, a major deity of the Shinto religion.

Three days later, the event will take place at the Outer Shrine (Geku).

The Shikinen Sengu ceremony, which is said to have started when Empress Jito ascended the throne in 690, has a history of more than 1,300 years.

The ritual was skipped during the age of provincial wars (1467-1568) and postponed during the period immediately after the end of World War II. This year's ceremony marks the 62nd Shikinen Sengu.

THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
  • 1
submit to reddit
Mail Print
The new main shrine of Ise Jingu’s Inner Shrine, foreground, is seen in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on Sept. 25 in front of the 20-year-old facility it replaces within a week. (Pool)

The new main shrine of Ise Jingu’s Inner Shrine, foreground, is seen in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on Sept. 25 in front of the 20-year-old facility it replaces within a week. (Pool)

Toggle
  • The new main shrine of Ise Jingu’s Inner Shrine, foreground, is seen in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on Sept. 25 in front of the 20-year-old facility it replaces within a week. (Pool)

More AJW