Sugōisobe Shrine

Sugōisobe Shrine (菅生石部神社) is a Shinto shrine in Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture, on the Daishōji grounds. It was mentioned in the Engishiki Jinmyocho in 927 and held the Modern system of ranked Shinto shrines rank of kokuhei shōsha, which is the national shrine of the 3rd rank. During the feudal era, it was of the second-highest rank in Kaga Province. Currently, the shrine is directly controlled by the Association of Shinto Shrines. Locally, it is referred to as "Shikichi Tenjin" or "Sugō Tenjin."

 Worshiped kami 
The deity worshipped at Sugōisobe-jinja shrine is Sugōisobe no Kami. This name represents three deities, namely Hoori, Toyotama-hime no Mikoto, and Ugayafukiaezu no Mikoto.

There are several theories about the true identity of the deity at Sugōisobe-jinja shrine. Some scholars suggest that the deity is actually Sukunabikona, rather than Sugōisobe no Kami. 

 History 
According to legend, Sugōisobe no Kami was brought to the area from the imperial court in 585 when a serious illness spread throughout the region. The shrine was recorded in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, a record of all shrines in Japan compiled in 927, as a shōsha,Nussbaum, Louis-Frédéric. (2005). "Engi-shiki" in Japan Encyclopedia, p. 178. and it held the second highest rank (Ninomiya) in Kaga province.

The shrine was highly respected by the imperial court and the samurai class, and in 940, the deity was elevated to , a high . Higher rank meant more lands were given to the shrine and it became wealthier and more powerful.

The Heike monogatari, a Japanese epic of the 12th century, also mentioned that Minamoto no Yoshinaka donated to the shrine.

During the Middle Ages, the entire area was incorporated into the territory of Kitano Tenmangū, and Sugōisobe-jinja came to be known as "Tenjin" due to the god worshipped there. A bull statue, associated with Tenjin, still stands as a reminder of that time.

In 1875 it had a unique Shinmon gate built for it in a semi-european style with three stories.

 Festivals 
Every year on February 10th, the Gongan Shinji festival, also known as "Takewari-matsuri," or the bamboo splitting festival is held at Sugōisobe-jinja. In 1987, Ishikawa Prefecture designated the festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.. 

Many people travel across Japan to see the festival.

 Gallery 

 References 

Category:Ishikawa Prefecture
Category:Shinto shrines
Category:Kokuhei Shōsha
Category:Ni-no-Miya
Category:Shikinai Shōsha
Category:Shikinaisha in Kaga Province