The three Kumano shrine complexes are depicted in this mandala. At the top is the Nachi Shrine (notice the waterfall to the far right). In the middle is Shingû (new shrine), and at the bottom (base) is Hongû (main shrine). Notice the small Buddha-like figures floating above each building. They are the honji. Enshrined in the buildings are the suijaku, that is, the local deities.

This page is part of www.east-asian-history.net. If you arrived here via a link from within the site, simply close this window or tab to return. If you arrived here via a web search or an external link, click the icon at left to go to the home page or click this link to go to the index page for the textbooks: www.east-asian-history.net/textbooks/.