Egara Tenjin-sha
The haiden
Religion
AffiliationShinto
DeitySugawara no Michizane ("Tenjin"}
Architecture
FounderUnknown
Date established1104
Glossary of Shinto

Kamakura-gū (鎌倉宮) is a shrine in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Egara Tenjin Shrine (荏柄天神神社, Egara Tenjinsha), is a Shinto shrine in Kamakura. Having been founded according to legen) by an unknown priest in 1104, it is one of the few extant religious institutions in the area to predate the advent of Minamoto no Yoritomo, who arrived here in 1181.[1] Like all other Tenjin shrines in Japan, it enshrines the spirit of famous scholar and politician Sugawara no Michizane, and for this reason he is believed to be a protector of intellectual pursuits. [1]

Having been unjustly sent into exile, where he died, Michizane was deified and enshrine because his spirit was believed to be angry as a consequence. Numerous calamities that had followed his death confirmed this was the case.[1]

The shrine, described as in bad shape a century ago by Iso Mutsu, as been completely rebuilt and consists of a oratory (haiden and of a sacrarium (honden).

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Egara Tenjinsha". A Guide to Kamakura. Retrieved September 23, 2012.