Religious Affiliation: | Shinto |
Deity: | Itsuse no Mikoto, Inahi no Mikoto, Mikeiri no Mikoto |
Ani Shrine (安仁神社) is a Shinto shrine located in Okayama City, Japan.[1] [2] It is one of three governmental Shinto shrines dedicated to imperial ancestors.[3] It is a Beppyo shrine, or a shrine that is particularly notable in a certain way with a significant history to it.[4]
According to its legend it was an area where Itsuse no Mikoto stayed in Jimmu's Eastern Expedition.
The Ani Shrine was originally ranked as Myojin Taisha (名神大社) and designated as the ichinomiya of the province in the early Heian period Engishiki. However, its association with Fujiwara no Sumitomo during his 939-941 revolt led to its demotion. In contrast, the Kibitsu Shrine, the parent shrine of Kibitsuhiko Jinja, supported imperial forces against Fujiwara no Sumitomo by writing prayers for their victory. As a result, Kibitsuhiko Jinja in Bizen was elevated to the status of ichinomiya. The history of Kibitsuhiko Jinja is less clear, with the earliest historical documentation appearing in the late Heian period, although legend traces it back to the reign of Empress Suiko as Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto's residence.[5] [6]
Ani shrine also worships the other brothers of Jimmu as shown in the tree below