Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, the famous Shinto shrine in Kyoto city, is devoted to Tenjin-san, the kami of scholarship.
It was constructed long back in 942, to assuage the angry spirit of scholar and poet Michizane Sugawara, who used to be worshipped as the patron of learning in the ancient capital of Japan.
Emperor Uda, who had great faith on Michizane, conferred great responsibility in governmental affairs upon him. Later his enemies expatriated him to Kyushu because of political maneuvers.
The great scholar died in exile in 903.
Following his death the home province suffered from several earthquakes and thunderstorms and it was commonly believed that these were the effects of Michizane’s anger. The Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, which enshrines Michizane Sugawara, was dedicated to this great scholar of ancient Japan. In 986 the title ‘Tenjin’ (Heavenly Deity) was bestowed upon him. Features - The shrine complex is covered with Ume, Sugawara's favorite tree. During the blooming season of the plum blossoms the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine attracts huge crowd for its picturesque view. - The shrine is very popular among Japanese students who visit the shrine to offer prayer for success in examinations and school entrance tests, as the shrine deity ‘Tenjin’ is the god of scholarship and learning. - “Ushi-san" (Mr. Cow) decorated with a red bib is the familiar god of the shrine. The stone statue of the resting cow lying stretched out, has its connection with the Shrine’s special agricultural rites. The cow is considered to be a symbol of good harvest. - On 25th of each month the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine hosts a huge colorful market, Tenjin-san, in its surroundings. Innumerable stalls in the huge market place offer almost everything from plants to second-hand kimonos, foodstuffs to antiques and old ceramics to Japanese dolls. This market has been an ideal place for bargain hunters, photographers and is an elegant display of Japan’s rich culture and antiques. - Apart from this monthly market, the shrine itself is worth watching for its traditional structures, Honden and Haiden thatched with irimoya-zukri style of roof. Music chambers known as Gaku-no-ma stand to the East and West of Haiden. Roofs of all these structures are combined to form a common roof and thereby constitute a perfect example of Japanese traditional style of architecture called yatsu-rnune-zukuri or gongen-zukuri. - The buildings of the shrine display the elegance of Japan’s Momoyama architecture and are regarded as important cultural properties. - When you are on a trip to Kyoto spend some time to visit the popular Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in the Japan’s religious capital. If you can manage your trip on the 25th of any month then the shrine market will surely add to your pleasure.
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