Mihashira Shrine is a Hachiman shrine located in Kochi Prefecture that venerates three principal deities, as indicated by its name meaning 'Three Pillars Shrine'. The shrine follows the traditional Hachiman faith centered on Emperor Ojin and his divine family, serving as an important spiritual center for the local community.
- Denomination
- Hachiman
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman Okami and associated deities
- Kami enshrined
- Emperor Ojin, Empress Jingu, Hime-gami
- Coordinates
- 33.3831626, 132.8218605
Visitor tip
The shrine name 'Mihashira' specifically refers to three sacred pillars or deities, making it a good place to learn about the numerical symbolism in Shinto worship.
Cultural notes
Hachiman worship combines Shinto and Buddhist elements, with Emperor Ojin deified as a protector of warriors and the imperial family. The three-deity structure reflects the importance of sacred numbers in Japanese spiritual tradition.
Historical note
The shrine's name reflects the Shinto concept of mihashira, referring to the three primary deities of the Hachiman cult. Like many Hachiman shrines throughout Japan, it likely developed during the medieval period when the warrior deity Hachiman gained prominence, though specific founding details for this particular shrine require further historical documentation.