Shinra Zenshindo

Japanese: 新羅善神堂 (Shinra Zenshindou)

The Shinra Zenshindô is a shrine associated with Miidera (Onjô-ji), a major Buddhist temple in Ôtsu, Shiga prefecture. Located at the foot of the mountain below the temple, it enshrines an image of Shinra Myôjin (the god of Silla), a Korean deity said to have appeared to Enchin, founder of Miidera, while on his return to Japan from a journey to China. The statue has been designated a National Treasure.

Minamoto no Yoshimitsu celebrated his coming-of-age at this shrine, taking on the name Shinra Saburô. Both the shrine and the Miidera temple complex came to be patronized by the Kawachi Genji branch of the Minamoto clan, and by the Ashikaga clan, who claimed descent from them.

The current shrine building was restored by Ashikaga Takauji in 1347.

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References

Plaques on-site.[1]