Dazaifu Tenmangu is one of the representative tourist destinations in Fukuoka in Kyushu. There is enshrined Sugawara no Michizane, known as the “god of learning” in there.
He was a scholar, politician, and literary man who gained faith from people all over Japan, and was active around 800-900 AD, wh exerted his academic talent from his childhood, , and after repeated efforts, he became the highest-ranking scholar at the time, “Monju Hakase.”
However, he was swept from Kyoto to Dazaifu by an innocent crime due to political indecency and ended his life there.
When his disciple, Yasuyuki Umasuke, carried his body on an ox cart, the cow lay prone and stuck. Yasuki decided that this was probably due to the spirit of Michizane, and Michizane was to be buried there.
A shrine was built on his grave in 905 (5th year of Enki), and in 919 (19th year of Enki) a magnificent shrine was erected.
After that, the innocence of Prince Michizane was proved, and he was given the rank of God, “Tenma Daiji Tenjin,” and was worshiped as “Tenjin-sama.”
Over the years, worship of Michizane continued, and his grave, Dazaifu Tenmangu, is said to be the main shrine of the shrine that enshrines about 12,000 Tenjin nationwide, and many worshipers still visit today.
In this article, we will introduce the highlights and ways of enjoying “Dazaifu Tenmangu”!
Reference and Quote : https://www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/about
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Cow statue – Popular as people line up
Follow the approach to Dazaifu and approach the entrance to the precincts, where you will find an information desk. First, let’s get a map of the precincts here. At the back of the information center, there is a cute cow statue. It is named after the cow that carried the body of Prince Michizane, and is called “God cow”.
There are about 10 statues installed in the precincts, and it is said that if you pat the head of the statue, you will get smarter and you will be given wisdom, so a lot of worshipers will try to pat even if they line up in line. Because it is touched by many people every day, only that part looks shiny.
3 bridges leading to the main shrine
When you enter the precincts of Dazaifu, there is a bridge with a bridge called “Shinjiike”. This pond is so called because it looks like a “心” when viewed from above.
“心” that means the heart is read as “shin.”
The three bridges over the pond represent “past,” “present,” and “future.” It is said that by crossing this bridge, you will be able to proceed in front of God with your mind and body purified.
Magnificent architecture
Pass through the torii gate, wash your hands and cleanse your hands at the Chozuya, and you will be greeted by the vermilion gate called the “roumon.” This gate has a different shape on the front and back (the pond side and the main shrine side), which is a rare gate.
There are two roofs when viewed from the pond side, but only one when viewed from the main shrine side. Please walk while paying attention to the shape of the gate.
After passing through the tower gate, you can see the main hall in front of you. It is built in a special place surrounded by a corridor.
It was first erected in 919, and after several burns, the current main building was completed in 1591. The beautiful and powerful main shrine has been designated as a national important cultural property.
Plum that Michizane loved
Dazaifu Tenmangu is also known as a famous spot for plum blossoms. Michizane Sugawara loves Ume, and when he was relegated to Dazaifu, there is a legend that Ume, which Michizane loved, came over from Kyoto overnight.
Therefore, the tree that is said to be that plum is still planted in the precincts as “Tobiume”. In addition, approximately 200 species and 6,000 plum trees are planted in the precincts, and you can enjoy the fragrant plum blossoms and pretty flowers in the best months of February to March.
In addition to plums, the seasonal nature such as cherry blossoms and autumn leaves are also colorful, so you can enjoy a walk around the precincts while visiting there.
Conclusion
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is a place where many students who aim to improve their academic ability and pass the examination are visited by the enshrined Michizane Sugawara, known as the “god of learning.”
By learning the legends and history that have been handed down to date, I believe that visiting Dazaifu will be familiar.
Please refer to this article and stop by Dazaifu Tenmangu when you visit Fukuoka.
Information
Dazaifu Tenmangu
Address : 4-7-1, Dazaifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Worship time:
<Opening> Spring equinox day-autumn equinox day: 6:00-, other days: 6:30-
<Closed> 4/5/9/10/11: -19:00,
6/7/August: -19:30, December-March: 18:30, every Friday and Saturday: -20:00 (Kyushu (For the National Museum Night Hall)
Access: 5 minutes walk from the nearest station “Dazaifu Station”
[Direct bus] About 45 minutes from “Dazaifu Station” from Hakata Bus Terminal (5 minutes walk from Hakata Station)
[Train] Take the Omuta Line (limited express/express) from Nishitetsu “Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station” for 15 minutes, then transfer to the Dazaifu Line at “Futukaichi Station” and about 5 minutes for “Dazaifu Station”
Map:
