春日大社国宝殿 Kasugataisha Shrine
春日大社のはじまり
神山である御蓋山ミカサヤマ（春日山）の麓に、奈良時代の神護景雲2年（768）、称徳天皇の勅命により武甕槌命タケミカヅチノミコト様、経津主命フツヌシノミコト様、天児屋根命アメノコヤネノミコト様、比売神ヒメガミ様の御本殿が造営され御本社（大宮）として整備されました。現在、国家・国民の平和と繁栄を祈る祭が年間2200回以上斎行されています。
その中でも1200年以上続く3月13日の「春日祭」は、現在も宮中より天皇の御代理である勅使が参向され、国家・国民の安泰を祈る御祭文を奏上されます。さらに、上旬・中旬・下旬の語源に関わる宮中の「旬祭」、上巳・端午・七夕などの「節供祭」も平安時代に移され、今に至るまで斎行されています。
若宮
平安時代には若宮様が御出現なされ、長承4年（1135）に現在の地に御本殿を創建。その翌年から900年近く続く12月17日の「春日若宮おん祭」は、国の重要無形民俗文化財に指定されています。この祭の中で8時間にもおよぶ御旅所祭は、古代から中世の大神事芸能奉納祭であり、日本古典芸能史絵巻といえます。なお能舞台の鏡板に描かれた松（影向の松）はこの祭に由来します。
春日大社の御神宝
古来、天皇や上皇の崇敬篤く、また藤原氏の氏神であり関白を始めとする多くの貴族が参拝し、数多くの品々を神様へ奉納しました。その点数と質の高さから春日大社は「平安の正倉院」とも称されます。総所蔵は約3000点におよび、「国宝殿」で展示しています。
Origin of Kasugataisha Shrine
Ancient myths tell us that about 1300 years ago when the national capital was built in Nara, Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto came all the way from Kashima Shrine (Ibaraki Prefecture) to Mt. Mikasa, which is considered a holy mountain, to dwell on its summit “Ukigumo-no-mine” for the prosperity of the nation and happiness of the people. Later on, when Tempyo Culture flourished, the political leader Fujiwara-no-Nagate built magnificent buildings on the present site of the shrine as ordained by Empress Shotoku. On November 9, 768, he enshrined several gods here, namely Futsunushi-no-mikoto from Katori Shrine (Chiba Prefecture), and Amenokoyane-no-mikoto and Himegami from Hiraoka Shrine (Osaka Prefecture). This is how Kasuga Taisha began.
World Cultural Heritage
The shrine halls’ bright vermillion columns, white walls, and roofs of hinoki cypress bark contrast beautifully with the green of the surrounding ancient woods. The serene beauty of the buildings has not changed since its inception. This is because of the “Shikinen Zotai” ceremony which takes place every 20 years. In this ceremony, the buildings of the shrine are repaired, the tools and instruments used are renewed, and ceremonial rituals are held strictly according to their traditions. Through such efforts, a solemn and peaceful atmosphere fills the entire precinct. Kasuga Taisha is a distinguished shrine with 3,000 auxiliary shrines across the country and 3,000 donated lanterns, demonstrating how widely and deeply worshipped the shrine is.
Just like in ancient times, services are offered every morning and evening, and Over 2,200 festivals are held here annually. Still today, prayers are offered for national and global peace, and for the happiness and wellbeing of all people.
In December 1998, the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara” including Kasuga Taisha and Kasugayama Primeval Forest were designated as a joint UNESCO World Heritage Site.
