Where “Kamihakari” (Matchmaking) brings people together
Our last stop in the series of shrines in the land of the gods Izumo is, of course the famous Izumo Taisha.
Izumo Taisha enshrines Ookuninushino Mikoto, son of Susanono Mikoto, a deity famous for the anecdote “Kuniyuzuri” (transfer of the land), and is the center of the land of the gods, Izumo. After all, Izumo Taisha is the shrine where all deities gather from all over Japan in “Kannazuki” (month without god) to perform “Kamihakari” or matchmaking by the gods. Thus, October in the old Japanese lunar calendar when “Kamihakari” takes place is called “Kamiarizuki” (month with god) in Izumo.
The deity associated with “Kamihakari” is “Daikoku-sama” (god of wealth), one of the Seven Deities of Good Luck. “Daikoku-sama” is obviously a deity famous for matchmaking. While only men and women are matched up, all kinds of ties are made between people, as well as people and objects.
“Kamihakari” takes place every year in October 11 to 17 by the old Japanese lunar calendar, in three of these days “Kamiarisai” takes place. (Since the actual dates change every year, please check with Izumo Taisha’s website.)
The main feature of “Kamihakari” is “Enmusubi Taisha” (great matchmaking festival) which takes place on December 1. Reservations and “matchmaking prayer fee” are required to participate, but it is recommended for those who hold expectations for the “matchmaking powers” of Izumo Taisha.
Travelling to the magnificent, mythical world
The highlight of Izumo Taisha is the main shrine which stands 24 meters tall and is a National Treasure. The size of the main shrine is overwhelming and quite inspiring. In the Heian period, it is said to have been 48 m tall, which is larger than the Great Buddha Hall of Toshoji Temple in Nara. The building is full of mystery. Another mystery is the Ookuninushino Mikoto enshrined here is sideways, not front facing.
Unfortunately, the inside of the main shrine is not open to the public and cannot be viewed. It is only open to the public during the transfer of shrines when a new main shrine is built, which takes place once every 60 years, when the enshrined deities are taken to a temporary shrine. Recently, it took place in 2008, and construction of the new shrine finished in 2013. Izumo Taisha is a place where the romance of ancient times can be experienced. It is a grand shrine which transports visitors to a magnificent mythical world.
