御神木の雷神様
Lightning-struck sacred cedar
Temple · Sasaguri
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A sacred cedar tree that has survived a lightning strike about 20 years ago, where a newly carved statue of Raijin, the thunder god for protection from lightning, is enshrined. This spiritual wood, where Buddhist statues and prayer beads have been traditionally carved, is believed to grant wishes.
This cedar tree was struck by lightning approximately twenty years ago, leaving linear scars where the bark was stripped away. In Japanese tradition, trees that have been struck by lightning are believed to be dwelling places of the divine, and since ancient times, this sacred tree has been cherished as a special place where the wishes of many people are fulfilled, with Buddhist statues and prayer beads carved into its wood. This time, with the cooperation of master sculptor Yamatataka Ryūun, a statue of the Thunder God was carved into this sacred tree. The cedar continues to live on, and the Thunder God now dwells within it as well, the two living together as one. It remains treasured as a place of prayer where people continue to seek blessings and happiness for generations to come.
Deities & Spirits
The thunder deity is said to be a deity who governs thunder and, at the same time, a deity of light. While once regarded as a fearsome presence representing thunder itself, in modern times they are venerated as a deity who removes misfortune and as a deity who protects against lightning strikes.
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