User:W-dcem/Imperial Grand Shrine

The Imperial Grand Shrine (皇大神宮, Kōtai Jingū), also known as Naikū (内宮) is located in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the two main shrines of Ise Jingū, an important shrine complex, together with Gekū (outer) Shrine, located about 6 kilometres away.

It is one of the main centres of Watarai Shinto, and customarily visited after Gekū Shrine despite regular traditions prescribing starting from the foremost shrine before proceeding to the less significant ones. Dedicated to the goddess Amaterasu, who embodies the Sun in Shinto, it is said to house the Yata no Kagami, one of the Three Sacred Treasures, all of which are intentionally not publicly displayed.

The shrine serves as the origin of the Jingū taima, a type of Ōnusa, or wooden wand traditionally used in Shinto purification rituals.

History
According to the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), Amaterasu was enshrined at the Imperial Court, but in the 6th year of Emperor Sujin's reign, she was moved to Kasanui Village. Later, another place suitable to enshrine Amaterasu Omikami was sought as a substitute. After temporarily residing at, in the 26th year of Emperor Suinin's reign, when she reached Ise Province, a divine oracle indicated it as the place where the goddess desired to remain.

Members of the held the position of shrine priests hereditarily, but this was abolished after the Meiji era.