Kagawa - Kotohira: Kotohira Shrine 🌟

If you visit only one shrine in Shikoku, it has to be Kotohira Shrine: the head shrine of over 600 Kotohira shrines, the "Japanese Mazu," and the deity of sailors and navigation—the central hub of Kotohira faith. 🎢🍃 "Kotohira" originates from the Sanskrit word "Makara," the crocodile-like water god and mount of the Ganges River goddess in Indian mythology. After being introduced to Japan, it merged with Shinto beliefs (as "Gongen") and became the revered main deity here: Kotohira Gongen. 🎢🍃The Kotohira faith began in the early 8th century (Nara period) but truly flourished in the early Edo period (early 17th century), thanks to the efforts of the monk Gankyo from Sonsoji Temple, who traveled nationwide to promote it. The inner shrine, Iwasaka Shrine, commemorates this founding figure (enshrined as Iwasaka). 🌿 🎢🍃 #Takamatsu 🌇