A Kumano shrine (熊野神社, Kumano Jinja) is a type of Shinto shrine which enshrines the three Kumano mountains: Hongū, Shingū, and Nachi [Kumano Gongen (熊野権現)].[1] There are more than 3,000 Kumano shrines in Japan, and each has received its kami from another Kumano shrine through a process of propagation called bunrei (分霊) or kanjō (勧請).
The point of origin of the Kumano cult is the Kumano Sanzan shrine complex in Wakayama Prefecture, which comprises Kumano Hayatama Taisha (熊野速玉大社) (Shingū, Wakayama), Kumano Hongū Taisha (Tanabe, Wakayama) and Kumano Nachi Taisha (Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture).[2]
- ^ Encyclopedia of Shinto, Kumano Shinkō, accessed on October 6, 2008
- ^ "Sacred site "Kumano Sanzan"". Archived from the original on 2009-03-03. Retrieved 2008-06-12.