| Customer testimony:
"Hello, I just received the kamidana. it is wonderful. I'm very happy with the quality of your service. it is more than perfect. see you soon." - Alex P. Item purchased: Inari Kamidana Set - Japan Shinto Shrine + Accessories
"This is a most beautiful home temple. I am very satisfied with the transaction" - Frank H. Item purchased: 15.6" Japan Kamidana God Shelf - Wooden Shinto Zushi
"Very nice. Great price compared to same item at other sites! Quick Shipping!" -Michael M. Item purchased: Inari Kamidana Set - Japan Shinto Shrine + Accessories
Description
Brand new, large-size wooden Japanese Shinto kamidana "god shelf". This type of small Shinto (native religion of Japan) shrine is commonly used in Japan by families or even organizations and business to symbolically house the group's patron deity or kami as they are called in Japanese. Kamidana will normally be placed in plain view on a shelf or specially-made alcove within an important room such as the family room or in an area where employees or associates work or gather. Kamidana are also used to hold sacred tablets called ofuda (lit "honorable plaque") which are typically made of wood and paper and inscribed with written prayers and sanctified by a priest. Kamidana are not just for show and will usually receive regular attention from those who live or operate within its sphere of influence. Very traditional families for instance, may visit their kamidana once or twice a day in order to deliver fresh water along with a solomn prayer. Kamidana (aka zushi) are basically small versions of larger Shinto shrines called Jinja, which are found at the heart of every Japanese community as well as areas of spiritual significance and to mark important natural features such as waterfalls and even the tops of mountains. Please read below to learn more about Japanese Shinto shrines.
About the Listed Item
The brand new wooden kamidana offered here features fine-quality craftsmanship and classic Japanese style, with detailed architectural touches and durable brass-colored plastic fittings. This kamidana includes two sets of double doors providing access to an inner chamber designed to receive ofuda tablets or other suitable religious items. The front panel may also be removed making it possible to use this kamidana to display small statues, scrolls or other important religious items. Please refer to the size chart below for information about additional available kamidana. And please check our store for blessed ofuda tablets to use with your kamidana!
Additional Styles of kamidana (click to view listing):
- Small - 13.5 inch tall, single door shrine
- Medium - 15.6 inch tall, single door shrine
- Large - 16.8 inch tall, double door shrine (current listing)
Size: Height (base to top of roof ornaments): 16.8 inches (43.0 centimeters) Width (across roofline): 15.6 inches (40.0 centimeters) Depth (measured along roofline including roof ornaments): 6.7 inches (17.2 centimeters) Weight: 3.3 pounds (1.5 kilograms)
Important Note: Shipment for this large and heavy kamidana is via international Express Mail Service (EMS) which included a tracking number and full value insurance.
About Japanese Shinto Shrines
At the heart and spiritual center of every Japanese city, town and village are well preserved wooded plots of land which are the sanctuary of Japan's native deities. These places, which are called Jinja in Japanese, will invariably include one or more shrines where believers can worship and offer prayers to the gods. Jinja, and the grounds upon which they reside are used not just for worship, but also as a place for community events, festivals and even as playgrounds. Most Shinto shrines typically consist of a large patch of wooded ground with a gate-like structure called a torii providing passage from the secular world into the spiritual. Fierce stone dog statues (one is actually a lion) called komainu stand guard along a stone path leading from the torii to the foot of the shrine complex. Before reaching the shrine, visitors will normally stop to rinse their hands and mouth at a stone water basin (chozubachi) provided for this purpose. This is done as an act of purification before coming into the presence of the resident deity. Upon reaching the actual shrine one must typically then ascent a short staircase to a platform where worship may be performed. Looking through the large structure's open doors one might spot a second, more secluded building visible beyond the first. This other building is the actual shrine itself and the true residence of the enshrined deity. Legend holds that any who improperly enter the inner-sanctuary will be blinded by the magnificent power residing therein, and for this reason most Japanese are happy to pay their respects from the safety of the doorway of the outermost building. Large Japanese Shinto shrines often have numerous smaller shrines located elsewhere on the shrine grounds. These smaller structures are often only slightly larger than a doll house and are the symbolic homes of lesser deities who are perhaps in some way associated with the god of the main shrine.

product code: INV-0000063 REL-0000314 category code: (nippon_kamidana) ship code: Lar
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