Shinto Belief
This Shinto shrine is dedicated to the veneration of Atsuta-no-Ōkami. Also enshrined are the "Five Great Gods of Atsuta", all of whom are connected with the legendary narratives of the sacred sword -- Amaterasu-Ōmikami, Takehaya Susanoō-no-mikoto, Yamato Takeru-no-mikoto, Miyasu-hime no-mikoto, and Take Inadane-no-mikoto.
Atsuta is the traditional repository of Kusanagi no Tsurugi, the ancient sword that is considered one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan. Central to the Shinto significance of Atsuta Shrine is the sacred sword which is understood to be a gift from Amaterasu Ōmikami. This unique object has represented the authority and stature of Japan's emperors since time immemorial. Kusanagi is imbued with Amaterasu's spirit.
During the reign of Emperor Sujin, duplicate copies of the Imperial regalia were made in order to safeguard the originals from theft. This fear of theft proved to be justified during the reign of Emperor Tenji when the sacred sword was stolen from Atsuta; and it was not to be returned until the reign of Emperor Temmu. Although not seen by the general public since that time, it is said to have remained in safekeeping at the shrine up to the present day.
Read more about this topic: Atsuta Shrine
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