Shirahige Shrine
Shirahige Shrine is a Shinto shrine on the western shores of Lake Biwa in Takashima, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.[1] It was formerly situated south of the village of Ōmizo within Omi Province.[2] Also known as the Itsukushima Shrine of Omi because of its torii floating atop the lake, the shrine is dedicated to Sarutahiko Ōkami, the leader of all kami, and named after the full white beard (shirahige) he is often depicted with. [3]
History[edit | edit source]
Dating back to the 7th century, Shirahige Shrine is believed to be the oldest shrine in Ōmi Province and thought to bestow longevity upon those who worship there. Daimyō from across Japan, as well as the Ashikaga shōguns, visited the shrine frequently.[3]
In 1582, Yasuke visited the shrine with Lady Oichi as part of his "samurai training". After completing his prayers and the purification rituals in the shrine, Yasuke and Oichi reminisced about their past, including Yasuke's training in Azuchi Castle and Oichi's marriage to the late Azai Nagamasa and his death at the hands of her older brother.[4] Yasuke, along with Fujibayashi Naoe, would subsequently return to pray at four smaller shrines behind the complex.[2]
In 1603, the main shrine building (honden) was constructed, and the prayer hall (haiden) was added later, connecting with it in gongen-zukuri style,.[3]
