A shrine dedicated to Dairokutenno, the deity of the Sixth Heaven in Buddhist cosmology who was syncretized into Shinto practice. Dairokutenno shrines are relatively uncommon and represent the historical blending of Buddhist and Shinto traditions before the Meiji separation.
- Denomination
- Dairokutenno
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Dairokutenno (Sixth Heaven King)
- Kami enshrined
- Dairokutenno
- Coordinates
- 35.4460339, 139.3521409
Visitor tip
These shrines often retain unique architectural or ritual elements reflecting their Buddhist origins.
Cultural notes
Dairokutenno was historically associated with both protection and the overcoming of earthly desires. The deity gained particular notoriety through Oda Nobunaga's use of the title 'Dairokutenmaou' (Great Demon King of the Sixth Heaven), symbolizing his opposition to Buddhist political power.
Historical note
Dairokutenno worship entered Japan through Buddhist influence, where this deity was known as the ruler of the Sixth Heaven of desire. During the syncretic period of Japanese religious history, many Dairokutenno shrines were established as part of shrine-temple complexes, though most were affected by the shinbutsu bunri (separation of Shinto and Buddhism) policies of the Meiji period.