Database: Kumano Hayatama Taisha
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The Kumano Hayatama Taisha is the second of the three Kumano shrines (Kumano Sanzan) and is located to the east of the Kumano Hongu Taisha, near the shores of the Kumano River. The shrine is often referred to as Shingu, or "the new shrine," as opposed to Hongu, "the main or original shrine." During the 11th century, its deity was identified as the Buddha Bhaishajyaguru (Yakushi Nyorai), considered to be the Buddha-healer who cures suffering and grants long life. This deity was second only to Guanyin (Kannon) and Amitabha (Amida) in terms of devotion during the Middle Ages. The remains of a medieval port have been found nearby, suggesting that the order of Shingu priests was the most powerful of the Kumano Sanzan due to the advantage of accessible maritime routes. The Kumano Shingu shrine buildings are rebuilt every 33 years. The shrine was relocated to new pavilions in 1390 after a long interruption caused by civil war in the 14th century. The Muromachi shogunate and many lords made offerings to the gods in the form of expensive clothes and furniture which are classified as National Tresures of Japan and remain inside the shrine to this day. Unlike the Hongu, the Shingu Shrine remained undamaged and many items of cultural heritage, including documents from the Middle Age, have been preserved there.