丹生官省符神社
もとは猿田彦神社と呼ばれていたこの神社は、816年に創建されました。頻繁な紀の川の氾濫から守るため、1541年に川に近い以前の場所から移されて以来ずっと現在の場所にあります。移された後、神社の名称は丹生官省符神社に変えられました。
丹生官省符神社は、主に高野山の守護神である丹生都比売という女神とその息子の高野御子（狩場明神）の二神を祀っています。伝説によると、二匹の犬を送って高野山の開祖である空海（諡号 弘法大師、774-835）を仏教研究の中心地を開創すべき場所へと導いたのは高野御子でした。また、この神社には境内の三棟の社殿と摂社に五十二柱の神々が祀られています。
丹生官省符神社は町石道の起点にあります。高野山に登る人々はこの神社の本殿に立ち寄り、旅を始める前に守護神を参拝します。
Niukanshofu Jinja Shrine
This shrine, originally called Sarutahiko Shrine, was built in 816. It has been in its current location since 1541, when it was moved from its former location near the Kinokawa River to keep it safe from the regular flooding. After the move, the shrine’s name was changed to Niukanshofu Shrine.
The site is mainly dedicated to the two guardian deities of Koyasan, the goddess Niutsuhime and her son Takanomiko (Kariba Myojin). It was the latter who, according to legend, sent his two dogs to help the priest Kukai (known posthumously as Kobo Daishi; 774–835) find the exact spot to build his center for Buddhist studies. This shrine is also home to 52 different deities enshrined within the three main shaden halls and smaller altars around the grounds.
The shrine is situated at the beginning of the Choishi Michi (Stone Marker Trail). Those hiking to Koyasan stop by the main hall of the shrine to pay their respects to the guardian deities before starting their journey.
