- Dragon Temples

[ . BACK to DARUMA Museum TOP . ]
. Dragon Shrines .
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

autumn deepens -
this internet pilgrim
still on the road

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Temples with the "dragon" in their name

The Dragon in temple names refers to the Chinese dragon bringing clouds.
It also refers to local legends about snakes and dragons in a pond.
Another source is the posthumous Buddhist name of the temple founder, which often contains "Dragon".

There are usually more than one temple with the same Dragon name.




under construction
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


. Bonten　梵天 Baramonten, Brahma .

. Ryuugeji 竜花寺 Ryuge-Ji "Dragon Flower Temple" .
2085 Muramatsu, Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka
静岡市清水区村松２０８５
and
竜海寺　Ryukai-Ji, 竜心寺 Ryushin-Ji, 竜天寺 Ryuten-Ji and 竜王寺 RyuO-Ji.


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

To be checked

Ryuufkukuji 龍福寺　Ryufuku-Ji "Dragon Luck Temple"

Ryuuganji 龍岩寺 Ryugan-Ji "Dragon Rock Temple"

. Ryuugeji 龍華寺 Ryuge-Ji "Dragon Lotus Temple" .
- GE can also be the Bodhi tree of Maitreya

Ryuujooji 滝上寺 Ryujo-Ji "Dragon Above Temple"
Ryuujooji 龍城寺 Ryujo-Ji "Dragon Castle Temple"

Ryuujuuji 竜樹寺　Ryuju-Ji "Dragon Tree Temple"
. The translator Nagarjuna was called Ryuju, Dragon Tree

Ryuukooji 龍湖寺 Ryuko-Ji "Dragon Lake Temple"
... Ryuusuiji 龍水寺 Ryusui-Ji "Dragon Water Temple"

Ryuukooji　龍興寺 Ryuko-Ji "Dragon Prospering Temple"

Ryuumonji 竜門寺 Ryumon-Ji "Dragon Gate Temple"
Ryuuonji 竜穏寺 / 龍穏寺 Ryuon-Ji "Dragon Calm Temple" (H)

Ryuushooji Ryusho-Ji
龍昌寺
龍翔寺
龍照寺
龍勝寺 Ryusho Nagarjuna Temple

Ryuutaku-ji 龍沢寺 Ryutaku-ji"Dragon Swamp Temple"
Ryuutenji 龍天寺 Ryuten-Ji "Dragon Heaven Temple"
Ryuutooji 龍頭寺 Ryuto-Ji "Dragon Head Temple"
Ryuuunji, Ryoounji 龍雲寺 Ryuun-Ji, Ryoun-Ji "Dragon Cloud Temple"
Ryuuzooji龍蔵寺 Ryuzo-Ji "Dragon Store Temple"


Shinryuuji 信竜寺 Shinryu-Ji “Trusty Dragon Temple”
Shooryuuji 昌竜寺 Shoryu-Ji“Flourishing Dragon Temple”
Sooryuu-ji 蒼龍寺 Soryu-Ji“Blue Dragon Temple”


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Anryuuji 安竜寺 Anryu-Ji “Peaceful Dragon Temple”


Banryuuji 蟠竜寺 Banryu-Ji“Coiling Dragon Temple”


.................................................................................

Dannoo Hoorinji 檀王法林寺 Danno Horin-Ji
Kyoto
In the compound of this temple is a
Ryuujindoo 龍神堂 Ryujin Do Hall Dragon Hall
with a statue of



Kamogawa Ryuujin　加茂川龍神　
Kamogawa Dragon Deity
with a special ritual on June 1 (or the first sunday in June) to pray for safe rain and a good harvest.
ryuujin hooyoo 龍神法要

Prayers are made to this deity in times of drought or too much rain.
The statue is gentle like a Kannon statue, with a fearful dragon with long arms on her head.
It was made in 1666 by order of Emperor Reigen Tenno 霊元天皇, after the river Kamogawa caused a great flooding.
The Deity represents one of the Eight Great Dragon Kings 八大龍王 in its Buddhist version. Later Buddhist versions of the Dragon King Deities became more popular.

The temple was founded by Hoosei Rooryoo-e 望西楼了恵 (1243 - 1322) under the auspicious of Emperor Kameyama 亀山天皇

source : www.dannoh.com
京都市左京区川端通三条上る法林寺門前町36

.................................................................................


. Gyokuryuuji 玉竜寺 Gyokuryu-Ji
"Pearl Dragon Temple" .



. Honryuuji 本竜寺 Honryu-Ji“Original Dragon Temple” .


. Hooryuuji 宝竜寺 Horyu-Ji “Precious Dragon Temple” .
- - - - - 法龍寺 Horyu-Ji "Law Dragon Temple"


. Jyooryuuji 浄竜寺 Joryu-Ji “Pure Dragon Temple” .



. Kairyuuooji 海龍王寺 Kairyuo-Ji
"Sea Dragon King Temple" .


. Keiryuuji 慶龍寺 Keiryu-Ji“Celebratory Dragon Temple” .
Keiryuuin 慶龍院 Keiryu-In


. Kinryuuji 金龍寺 Kinryu-ji - Golden Dragon Temple .
Goldener Drachentempel
The Golden Dragon (kinryuu son 金龍尊) is often mentioned in the Suvarna- prabhasa-sutra "Golden Light Sutra" (Goldglanz Sutra).


. Kooryuuji 光竜寺 Koryu-Ji“Light Dragon Temple”
Kooryuuji 興竜寺 Koryu-Ji“Rising Dragon Temple”
Kooryuuji 高竜寺 Koryu-Ji“Tall Dragon Temple" .



. Manryuuji 万竜寺 Manryu-Ji “Myriad Dragons Temple” .
萬龍寺


. Ooryuuji 黄竜寺 Oryu-Ji“Yellow Dragon Temple” .


. Ryooan-ji 龍安寺 /竜安寺 Ryoan-Ji, Royanji
"Dragon Peace Temple" .


. Ryuudooji 龍洞寺 Ryudo-Ji "Dragon Cave Temple" .
Ryuu no makura ishi 龍の枕石 stone pillow for the dragon
Dragon's pillow rock


.................................................................................


Ryuugaiji 龍蓋寺 Ryugai-Ji "Dragon Lid Temple"
(gai has various symbolic meanings in Buddhism)
better known as Okadera　岡寺 Hill Temple, in Akusa, Nara.

It was founded by Priest Gien (義淵) during the 7th century, and is the 7th temple on the Kansai Kannon Pilgrimage.
The statue of Gien is one of the national treasures of Japan.

During the time of Emperor Tenchi 天智天皇　Gien made an exorcism of a local vicious dragon, banned him in the pond and put a lid on it to keep it safe there.
Drachendeckel-Tempel.


- quote -
Is this temple the inspiration behind Dragon Ball Z?
Visit Okadera Temple and the monks will likely say to you, “This is the Dragon Ball Z Temple. It is here where wishes can be granted.” Come back at them with a quip about the anime and the 7 dragon balls (they’re waiting for it) and laughs are bound to follow as is the story of Okadera.



- - - - - The Temple and its Legends
According to temple legend a Buddhist monk named Gaien confronted a dragon that was marauding what is now Asuka Village. Gaien defeated the dragon and imprisoned it under the floor of a small pond. He placed a large rock, a “ryugai” or dragon lid, in the pond to prevent the dragon from escaping. Thusly Ryugaiji Temple, Okadera’s formal name, was founded in 663. Supposedly, the dragon’s heart was “reformed” by its fight with Gaien and it became one of the temple’s deities. Japanese dragons have a ball near the end of their tail that contains magic. It is said that by the power of this dragon ball wishes can be granted.

Dragon balls, Okadera’s most powerful variety of amulet, can be purchased (￥600ea.) but they are not of the 1 through 7 star variety. Known as “ryutama” 龍玉　(dragon balls) or negaitama (wishball), Okadera’s dragon balls are made of wood, inscribed with Okadera’s kanji characters, and contain a small paper scroll. Write your wish on the scroll and hang your dragon ball on one of the designated trees in the temple’s garden.

Besides dragon ponds and dragon balls, Okadera is home to the Nyoirai Kannon Bosatsu wish granting seated Buddha statue, the oldest ceramic Buddha in Japan at 1200 years old, a 3-story pagoda overlooking the central Asuka Village area, several beautiful and historic buildings, and a garden of maple and deciduous trees that become riotously colorful in the fall.
- source : thesarusawablog.com -


.................................................................................


. Ryuuginji 龍吟寺 Ryugin-Ji -Singing Dragon Temple .
..... Ryoogin An 龍吟庵 Kyoto
ryuugin koshoo 龍吟虎嘯　 Dragon and Tiger lore



. Ryuukooji　龍口寺 Ryuko-Ji - Dragon Mouth Temple .
Fujizawa. Saint Nichiren and
Tatsu no Kuchi 竜の口 the "Mouth of the Dragon"



. Ryuukooji 龍光寺 Ryuko-Ji - Temple of Dragon's Ray .
Ryuukooin 龍光院 Ryuko-In
Ryookooin 龍光院 Ryoko-In
. . . . . and
Ryuutokuji 竜得寺　Ryutoku-Ji "Temple of Great Dragon Quality"

. Ryuukoo Fudoo 龍光不動尊　Ryuko Fudo Son . - Ginza, Tokyo



. Ryuuoo in 龍王院 Ryuo-In - Dragon God Hall .
at temple Kinpusenji 金峯山寺, Yoshino, Nara


. Ryuuooji 竜王寺 Ryuo-Ji "Dragon King Temple" .



. Ryuusenji 龍泉寺 Ryusen-Ji "Dragon Fountain Temple" .
Aichi, Nagoya 愛知県名古屋市守山区

.................................................................................



. Seiryuujii, Shooryuuji 青竜寺 Seiryu-Ji .
Azure Dragon of the East



. Senryuuji 泉竜寺 Senryu-Ji“Fountain Dragon Temple” .


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Shooryuuji 正龍寺 Shoryu-Ji - Real Dragon Temple

正龍寺 -鹿児島県指宿市山川
正龍寺 -埼玉県：大里郡／寄居町／藤田村
正竜寺愛知県：幡豆郡／吉良町／小山田村

Shooryuuji mura 正竜寺村- 山形県：酒田市
village named Shoryu-Ji


.................................................................................


. Tenryuuji 天龍寺 Tenryu-Ji "Heavenly Dragon Temple" .
. . . . . Tenryu-In 天龍院


.................................................................................


Unryuuji 雲龍寺 Unryu-Ji "Cloud Dragon Temple"
The dragon in the clouds is a metaphor for the enlightened mind, reaching out and above of the samsara world.

Saṅsāra or Saṃsāra (Sanskrit: संसार), (in Tibetan called "khorwa"), literally meaning "continuous flow",
is the cycle of birth, life, death, rebirth or reincarnation within Hinduism, Buddhism, Bön, Jainism, Sikhism, and other Indian religions.
©　More in the WIKIPEDIA !

Temples of this name
群馬県館林市 Gunma
兵庫県三木市 Hyogo





:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


. Zenryuuji 善竜寺 Zenryu-Ji “Good Dragon Temple” .


. Zenryuuji 全竜寺 Zenryu-Ji “Whole Dragon Temple” .


. Zuiryuu-ji 瑞龍寺 Zuiryu-Ji - Zuiryo-Ji
“Auspicious Dragon Temple” .


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


. Henro Pilgrim Temples in Shikoku .

12 Temple of the Burning Mountai 焼山寺 Shozan-Ji
21 Temple of the Great Dragon 太龍寺 Tairyu-Ji / Dairyu-Ji
36 Temple of the Green Dragon 青龍寺 Shoryu-Ji
41 Temple of Dragon's Ray 龍光寺 Ryuko-Ji

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


. Wakasa Bay 若狭湾 .

Wakasa Pilgrimage to 33 Kannon Temples
若狭の三十三観音
3 Dragon Temples

第０３番　金照山　　Ryuukeiin 龍渓院　Ryukei-In　
Dragon Gorge Hall
福井県三方郡美浜町丹生 47-1

第１１番　大龍山　　永源寺　　Dairyuuzan
福井県小浜市田烏 37-3

第１７番　龍雲山　　神通寺　　Ryuuunzan
福井県小浜市遠敷 56-2

http://www.kimura-product.co.jp/kannon7/wakasa33/wakasa.htm

There are more Ryukei-In in Japan.


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


In Tokyo
Kinryuuzan Akakusadera 金竜山浅草寺
Kinryuzan - Golden Dragon Mountain
. Asakusa Kannon　浅草観音 .

Kinryuuzan no oidashi
きんりゅうざん の 追出（おいだ）し
to be driven out because of Kinryuzan
. . . . . and
Kinryuuzan no koi shirazu
きんりゅうざん の 恋（こい）知（し）らず
Kinryuzan does not know about love

When the temple bell rang in the morning, the lovers from the Asakusa pleasure quarters of nearby Yoshiwara had to part and the men had to go home.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

quote
Dragon lore
is traditionally associated with Buddhist temples. Myths about dragons living in ponds and lakes near temples are widespread. De Visser (1913:181-184) lists accounts for Shitennō-ji in Osaka, Gogen Temple in Hakone, Kanagawa, and the shrine on Mount Haku where the Genpei Jōsuiki records that a Zen priest saw a 9-headed dragon transform into the goddess Kannon. In the present day, the Lake Saiko Dragon Shrine at Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi has an annual festival and fireworks show.

Temple names, like Japanese toponyms, frequently involve dragons.
For instance, the Rinzai sect has Tenryū-ji 天龍寺 "Heavenly Dragon Temple", Ryūtaku-ji 龍沢寺 "Dragon Swamp Temple", Ryōan-ji 竜安寺 "Dragon Peace Temple".
According to legend (de Visser 1913:180), when the Hōkō-ji 法興寺 or Asuka-dera 飛鳥寺 Buddhist temple was dedicated at Nara in 596, "a purple cloud descended from the sky and covered the pagoda as well as the Buddha hall; then the cloud became five-coloured and assumed the shape of a dragon or phoenix".

The Kinryū-no-Mai "Golden Dragon Dance" is an annual Japanese dragon dance performed at Sensō-ji, a Buddhist temple in Asakusa. The dragon dancers twist and turn within the temple grounds and outside on the streets. According to legend, the Sensō Temple was founded in 628 after two fishermen found a gold statuette of Kannon in the Sumida River, at which time golden dragons purportedly ascended into heaven. The Golden Dragon Dance celebrates the temple founding and allegedly provides good fortune and prosperity.
©　More in the WIKIPEDIA !


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　


. Ryuu Jinja 龍神社 Ryu Jinja "Dragon Shrines"


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

There are many more temples in Japan which are related to the Dragon, but do not carry its character in the name.

Mangan-Ji 満願寺 Kyoto - Tatsu no Myooken 辰の妙見
. Myooken Bosatsu 妙見菩薩 Myoken .
and the Star Shrines of Japan
Hokushin Myoken Bosatsu 北辰妙見菩薩
Hokushin Bosatsu 北辰菩薩　Sk: Sudrsti
Hokushin Jinja 北辰神社 -
..... "Northern Dragon Shrine" Pole Star Shrine

- Reference : 北辰神社 in Japan

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

Saitatsuji 西辰寺 "West Zodiac Dragon Temple"
Hokkaido

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

. Omamori 龍神札 Dragon God Amulets .


. Dragon Shrines .


[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]
[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
- dragontemples -
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

- Dragon Shrines

[ . BACK to DARUMA Museum TOP . ]
. Dragon Temples .
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Ryuu Jinja 龍神社 Ryu Jinja "Dragon Shrine"
竜神社



in the compound of
Takano Shrine, Takano Jinja 高野神社

Izumo Kaido : In no Shoo

. In no Shoo 院庄


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Shrines with the kanji for dragon in the name





There are various shrines in Japan with this name.

In Akita
龍神社 能代市能代町

In Chiba
龍神社 - 千葉県船橋市海神

In Ehime
龍神社 今治市高部
龍神社 今治市波止浜１丁目２−１３

In Ibaraki
竜神社 - 猿島町生子 八坂社南方に鎮座

In Iwate
龍神社 紫波郡矢巾町白沢中ノ口

In Kumano
龍神社】たつじんじゃ Tatsu Jinja
人吉市下田代町

In Tochigi
竜神社 下都賀郡藤岡町大字大前



Hakone, Nine Headed Dragon Shrine

. . . CLICK here for more 龍神社 Photos !


.................................................................................



. Ryuuguu jinja 龍宮神社 Ryugu Jinja - Dragon Palace .
竜宮神社

.................................................................................


Ryuujoo jinja 龍城神社 Ryujo Jinja "Dragon Castle"
. . . CLICK here for Photos !



Ryuuoo jinja 竜王神社 Ryuo Jinja "Dragon King"
. Ryuuoo 竜王 Ryuo "Dragon King" .

.............................................................................

Muroo Ryuuketsu Jinja 室生竜穴神社
1 km east of temple Muro-Ji 室生寺
also called "Ryuo Jinja".
Ryuuketsu 竜穴 Ryuketsu is lit. a "hole for the water deity".
Three three Ryuketsu deities
(Myokichijo Ryuketsu, Mochihokichijo Ryuketsu, and Sasharaebisukichijo Ryuketsu).

http://nippon-kichi.jp/article_list.do;jsessionid=AB8D26416BEA422643805677A5D97263?p=1240&ml_lang=en

. Three Dragon Kings at Ryuketsu Jinja .

.................................................................................

Yamagata

. 劔龍神社 Kenryuu Jinja
劔龍山大権現 Kenryu Daigongen .

山形県飽海郡遊佐町大字当山字上戸２


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　


Seiryu 青龍 / 青竜 the Azure Dragon

. Seiryuu Jinja 青龍神社 Seiryu Azure Dragon Shrines .

Seiryuu Daigongen 青竜大権現 Seiryu Daigongen


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　


Hachiryuu 八龍神社 Eight Dragon Shrines
Hachi Dai Ryuu-oo Jinja 八大龍王神社
Eight Great Dragon King Shrines
八竜神社 - Hachi Ryuu Daimyoojin 八竜大明神

for the
Hachi Dai Ryuu-oo 八大竜王 Ryu-O
Eight Great Dragon Kings

. Eight Dragon Shrines .


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　


More shrines with names not listed above

Shrines for the Dragon God 龍神 - LIST of prefectures


秋田県 Akita
Sekiryoo Jinja 石龍神社 Stone Dragon Shrine
秋田市寺内神屋敷

.................................................................................




岩手県 Iwate
Ganryuu Jinja巖龍神社 cliff dragon, Morioka, Tono


神奈川県 Kanagawa
Kuzuryuu Jinja 九頭龍神社 Kuzuryu Jinja, Shrine with a nine-headed dragon
足柄下郡箱根町元箱根 Hakone, Ashigara
(see illustration above)



In Nara
Kinryuu jinja 金龍神社 (of Kasuga Taisha)
deity is Kinryuu Ookami 金龍大神


.................................................................................


東京都 Tokyo
九頭竜神社 西多摩郡檜原村数馬 Kuzuryuu Jinja




source : www.kuzuryujinja.net

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

quote
Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima or Itsukushima Island
in Japan's Inland Sea was believed to be the abode of the sea-god Ryūjin's daughter. According to the Gukanshō and The Tale of Heike (Heinrich 1997:74-75), the sea-dragon empowered Emperor Antoku to ascend the throne because his father Taira no Kiyomori offered prayers at Itsukushima and declared it his ancestral shrine. When Antoku drowned himself after being defeated in the 1185 Battle of Dan-no-ura, he lost the imperial Kusanagi sword (which legendarily came from the tail of the Yamata no Orochi (dragon) back into the sea.
In another version, divers found the sword, and it is said to be preserved at Atsuta Shrine. The great earthquake of 1185 was attributed to vengeful Heike spirits, specifically the dragon powers of Antoku.

Ryūjin shinkō ryuujin shinkoo 竜神信仰 "dragon god faith" is a form of Shinto religious belief that worships dragons as water kami. It is connected with agricultural rituals, rain prayers, and the success of fisherman.
©　More in the WIKIPEDIA !


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

quote
Ryūjin shinkō
Ryūjin ("dragon kami") faith is a form of religious thought and practice associated with dragons, a mythical sacred animal of ancient China. Although Japanese ryūjin worship was influenced by China, the Japanese dragon as an object of faith was a deified snake, a symbol of a water kami (suijin). Besides the term ryūjin, ryūō ("dragon king") and ryūgū ("dragon palace") are also used. The dragon kami is connected with agriculture because of its characteristic as a water kami. Prayers for rain were performed at rivers, swamps, ponds, and deep pools which were regarded as the abodes of the ryūjin. Agricultural rituals, such as prayers for rain and rope pulls, were carried out using a straw rope shaped like a serpent-like dragon. As a water kami, ryūjin is connected with raijin, the kami of thunder, who brings forth rain and lightning. It is thought that the dragon kami ascends to heaven when a tornado occurs.

Further, umi no kami (kami of the sea), thought to reside on the other side of the ocean and to rule over the sea, is connected with water kami belief and is frequently used as a synonym for ryūjin. Fishermen prayed to the dragon kami for an abundant catch and calm seas. They carried out festivals for ryūjin, celebrated as the kami of the sea and the kami of the dragon palace. These festivals are referred to by such names as uramatsuri ("inlet festival"), isomatsuri ("beach festival"), and shiomatsuri ("tide festival").

From the belief that metal nullified the magical powers of a snake, there developed the idea of refraining from actions that would anger the snake. Hence, fishermen believed it was taboo to drop metal in the ocean. This was the background to the idea of the equivalence of the snake kami, the dragon kami, and the sea kami. The motif of interaction between the sea kami and humans often appears in folk tales such as Urashima Tarō and Ryūgū Dōji. The belief that wealth and treasure is brought from the other side of the ocean derives from this source.
source : Iwai Hiroshi, 2006, Kokugakuin

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

There are many more shrines in Japan which are related to the Dragon, but do not carry its character in the name.

Here is a list for Kyoto with great photos

Kibune Jinja 貴船神社
Manai Jinja 真名井神社
Heian Jingu 平安神宮
Yasaka Jinja 八坂神社
Shinsen en 神泉苑
Kandakara Jinja 神宝神社
Tatsuo Jinja 瀧尾神社 "Dragon tail shrine"
Kuzuryu Seniarai Benzaiten 九頭龍銭洗弁財天
Hakuryuu Zeniarai Benzaiten 白龍銭洗辨財天
Kuzuryuu Taisha 九頭竜大社 "Dragon with nine heads"
Takenobu Inari Jinja 武信稲荷神社
source : www.merosu.com

.................................................................................


. Myooken Bosatsu 妙見菩薩 Myoken .
and the Star Shrines of Japan
Hokushin Myoken Bosatsu 北辰妙見菩薩
Hokushin Bosatsu 北辰菩薩　Sk: Sudrsti
Hokushin Jinja 北辰神社 -
..... "Northern Dragon Shrine" Pole Star Shrine

- Reference : 北辰神社 in Japan

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

. Omamori 龍神札 Dragon God Amulets .


. Dragon Temples .


[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]
[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
- #dragonshrines -
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Hachi Eight Dagon Shrines

[ . BACK to DARUMA Museum TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Hachiryuu 八龍神社 Eight Dragon Shrines
Hachi Dai Ryuu-oo Jinja 八大龍王神社
Eight Great Dragon King Shrines
八竜神社 - Hachi Ryuu Daimyoojin 八竜大明神

There are various shrines for the eight dragon kings in Japan.

The main DARUMA MUSEUM entry is here

. Shrine, Shinto Shrine (jinja) .


Hachi Dai Ryuu-oo 八大竜王 Ryu-O
Eight Great Dragon Kings
. Ryuu-oo 竜王 Ryu-O - The Dragon King .





:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

Akita
八龍神社 男鹿市船越八郎谷地
八大龍王神社 潟上市天王中羽立


Fukui
福島県 八龍神社


Fukushima
八龍神社 福島市飯坂町平野
八龍神社 伊達市梁川町柳田町尻


Gifu
八大龍王 各務原市各務おがせ町
and white dragon
八大白龍大神 各務原市各務おがせ町
see . 白龍龍寿大神 White Dragon God for Long Life .
Shrine Susaki Jinja
愛知県名古屋市中区栄1丁目31-25


Iwate
八大龍神社 大船渡市末崎町門之浜


Saga
八龍社 佐賀市西与賀町厘外
八大龍王社 小城郡芦刈町永田住ノ江
> 八竜大明神 佐賀郡大和町池上


Tochigi
八竜神社 小山市荒川
八龍神社 下都賀郡大平町北武井


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　


. . . CLICK here for Photos 八龍神社 !

. . . CLICK here for Photos 八大龍王神社 !


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　


. Dragon Shrines of Japan .


[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]
[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

Seiryu Azure Dragon Shrines

[ . BACK to DARUMA Museum TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Seiryuu Jinja 青龍神社 Seiryu Azure Dragon Shrines
青竜神社


There are various shrines with the name Seiryu Jinja in Japan.

. Seiryu 青龍 / 青竜 the Azure Dragon .


The main DARUMA MUSEUM entry is here

. Shrine, Shinto Shrine (jinja) .

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　


source : bluedragonguardian


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Hyogo
Seiryuu Jinja 青龍神社 Seiryu Jinja - Azure Green Dragon Shrine
明石市藤江 Akaishi

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Ibaraki
Seiryuu Daigongen 青竜大権現 Seiryu Daigongen
東茨城郡茨城町小幡



Seiryuu Daigongen 青竜大権現 Seiryu Daigongen


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Nagano
青龍神社 北佐久郡御代田町塩野


Tochigi
青龍神社 日光市本町


Tokyo
青龍神社 葛飾区高砂


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　


. . . CLICK here for Photos !



:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　


. Temples named Seiryu-Ji .


. Dragon Shrines of Japan .


[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]
[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

Ryuuguu jinja Ryugu

[ . BACK to DARUMA Museum TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Ryuuguu jinja 龍宮神社 Ryugu Jinja - Dragon Palace
竜宮神社

There are various shrines with the name Ryugu Jinja in Japan.

The main DARUMA MUSEUM entry is here

. Shrine, Shinto Shrine (jinja) .



. Urashima Taro .
The legend of the Dragon Palace at the bottom of the sea
Ryūgū-jō 竜宮城 Ryuuguu joo
- - - - - and
The Dragon Palace at Enoshima 江ノ島の竜宮

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　


龍宮神社 Ryugu Shrine Otaru
Hokkaido, Otaru (小樽市)
北海道小樽市稲穂鎮座




Deities in residence

Sokotsu Wadatsumi no Kami 底津和田都美神
Nakatsu Wadatsumi no kami 中津和田都美神
Uwatsu Wadatsumi no Kami 上津和田都美神
The three deities of Wadatsumi （綿津見三神）- see below

豊受姫命、大物主神、大毘古命、桓武天皇






quote
The whole land where Otaru City is located was once owned by Takeaki Enomoto 榎本武揚 (1836 - 1908).
He had Ryugu Jinja or Ryugu shrine erected to deify the spirit of Emperor Kanmu 桓武天皇 (737 - 806). Emperor Kanmu had founded Enomoto’s birthplace, the city of Kyoto. In the Ryugu shrine, one can find plates that contain writings of Enomoto and writings of an Imperial prince named Arisgawa nomiya,
The festival is held every year on the summer solstice, June 21.

And more about festivals in Otaru
source : www.int.otaru-uc.ac.jp


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


龍宮神社
Kagoshima, Ibusuki 指宿市
鹿児島県指宿市山川岡児ケ水鎮座
Palace of the Dragon King Shrine in Nagasakibana



quote
Nagasakibana is a cape which protrudes into the ocean from the southernmost coast of Satsuma Peninsula.
There is an old Japanese folktale about Urashima Tarō travelling on the back of a sea turtle from this cape to the Dragon King's Palace (Ryūgū Palace) at the bottom of the ocean. Ryūgū Shrine, also in the Ibusuki area, honors the Prince and Princess of the Sea. Considering the legend surrounding this place, it's appropriate that sea turtles also come to lay their eggs here in the summer.



Blue sea and sky, ocean spray, a white lighthouse and the majestic peak of Mount Kaimon: the scenery here is truly picturesque.
source : www.kagoshima-kankou.com

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　




Kochi, Muroto Misaki 高知県室戸市

Ohana no Ryugu Iwa 「おはなの龍宮巌」 お鼻

Located within a huge boulder at the tip (hana, nose) of Muroto Misaki 室戸岬.
On the first outing of the New Year, local boats come to the sea before this boulder and turn around once in reverence, praying for a good catch during the coming year. The womanfolk hold a celebration in front of the boulder-shrine.


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　


龍宮神社
滋賀県 Shiga 草津市新浜町


竜宮神社
静岡県 Shizuoka 伊東市静海町


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　


龍宮も今日の潮路や土用干
ryuuguu mo kyoo no shioji ya doyoo boshi

there is a tide way
to the Dragon palace today -
airing all things
Tr. Gabi Greve


. Dragon Hokku by Matsuo Basho 松尾芭蕉 .


. Matsuo Basho 松尾芭蕉 - Archives of the WKD .

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　


. . . CLICK here for Photos !

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

The three deities of Wadatsumi 綿津見三神

Sokotsu Wadatsumi no Kami 底津和田都美神
Nakatsu Wadatsumi no kami 中津和田都美神
Uwatsu Wadatsumi no Kami 上津和田都美神

- quote
Watatsumi
Watatsumi no ō-kami(Kojiki), Watatsumi no mikoto(Nihongi)
A tutelary of the sea. According to Kojiki, the sea deity Ōwatatsumi no kami was produced by Izanagi and Izanami as part of the process of giving birth to the kami (kamiumi). Both Kojiki and Nihongi record that when Izanagi returned from the underworld land of Yomi and performed ablution (see misogi, harai), three Watatsumi deities were produced, representing the
"upper" (Uwawatatsumi)
"middle" (Nakawatatsumi) and
"bottom" (Sokowatatsumi) parts of the water where he bathed.

The name Watatsumi derives from the words wata-tsu-mochi, literally meaning "holder of the sea," indicating a kami with domain over the ocean.

The Kojiki account also records that Hoori no mikoto (Yamasachi) traveled to the undersea palace of the ocean kami Watatsumi and married Watatsumi's daughter Toyotamabime (Toyotama Hime).
- source : Nakayama Kaoru, Kokugakuin 2005

.......................................................................


- quote
Watasumi or Owatatasumi and
the curious appearance of the crocodile “wani”

Below we explore the possible origins of the triple Japanese Gods of the Sea, the Watasumi Sanjin and associated mythical themes, characters and symbols.

The following text is from the Wikipedia article “Watasumi:

a legendary Japanese dragon and tutelary water deity. In Japanese mythology, Ōwatatsumi kami (大綿津見神, “great deity of water god”) is another name for the sea deity Ryūjin 龍神; and the Watatsumi Sanjin (綿津見三神, “Three Watatsumi gods”) ruling the upper, middle, and lower seas were created through the divine progenitor Izanagi’s ceremonial purifications after returning from Yomi “the underworld”.

The earliest written sources of Old Japanese diversely transcribe the sea kami 神 “god; deity; spirit” named Watatsumi. The ca. 712 CE Kojiki (tr. William George Aston 1896) writes it semantically as 海神 lit. “sea god”, and transcribes it phonetically with man’yōgana as Wata-tsu-mi 綿津見 lit. “cotton port see” in identifying Ōwatsumi kami and the Watatsumi Sanjin. The ca. 720 CE Nihongi (tr. Basil Hall Chamberlain 1919) also writes Watatsumi as 海神 “sea god”, along with 海童 “sea child” and 少童命 “small child lords” for the Watatsumi Sanjin. In the modern Japanese writing system, the name Watatsumi is usually written either in katakana as ワタツミ or in kanji phonetically 綿津見 or semantically 海神 “sea god”.

Note that in addition to reading 海神 as watatsumi, wata no kami, or unagami in native Japanese kun’yomi pronunciation, it is also read kaijin or kaishin in Sino-Japanese on’yomi (from Chinese haishen 海神 “sea god”). Watatsumi has an alternate pronunciation of Wadatsumi. The original Watatsumi meaning “tutelary deity of the sea” is semantically extended as a synecdoche or metaphor meaning “the sea; the ocean; the main”.

The etymology of the sea god Watatsumi or Wadatsumi is uncertain. Marinus Willern de Visser (1913:137) notes consensus that wata is an Old Japanese word for “sea; ocean” and tsu is a possessive particle, but disagreement whether mi means “snake” or “lord; god”. “It is not impossible” he concludes, “that the old Japanese sea-gods were snakes or dragons.” Compare the Japanese rain god Kuraokami that was similarly described as a giant snake or a dragon. The comparative linguist Paul K. Benedict proposed (1990:236-7) that Japanese wata 海 “sea” derives from Proto-Austronesian *wacal “sea; open sea”.

The Kojiki version of the Japanese creation myth honorifically refers to Watatsumi 海神 with the name Ōwatatsumi kami 大綿津見神 “Great Watatsumi god”. Compare this sea god with mountain god named Ohoyamatsumi 大山積. The world-creating siblings Izanagi and Izanami first give birth to the Japanese islands (kuniumi) and then to the gods (kamiumi ) .

When they had finished giving birth to countries, they began afresh giving birth to Deities. So the name of the Deity they gave birth to was the Deity Great-Male-of-the-Great-Thing; next they gave birth to the Deity Rock-Earth-Prince; next they gave birth to the Deity Rock-Nest-Princess; next they gave birth to the Deity Great-Door-Sun-Youth; next they gave birth to the Deity Heavenly-Blowing-Male; next they gave birth to the Deity Great-House-Prince; next they gave birth to the Deity Youth-of-the-Wind-Breath-the-Great-Male; next they gave birth to the Sea-Deity, whose name is the Deity Great-Ocean-Possessor; next they gave birth to the Deity of the Water-Gates, whose name is the Deity Prince-of-Swift-Autumn; next they gave birth to his younger sister the Deity Princess-of-Swift-Autumn. (tr. Chamberlain 1919:28)

Chamberlain (1919:30) explains mochi 持ち “having; taking; holding; grasping; owning” behind translating Ōwatsumi kami as “Deity Great-Ocean-Possessor”, “The interpretation of mochi, “possessor,” though not absolutely sure, has for it the weight both of authority and of likelihood.”

A subsequent Kojiki passage describes Watatsumi’s daughter Otohime and her human husband Hoori living with the sea god. After Hoori lost his brother Hoderi’s fishhook, he went searching to the bottom of the sea, where he met and married the dragon goddess Otohime. They lived in the sea god’s underwater palace Ryūgū-jō for three years before Hoori became homesick.

So he dwelt in that land for three years. Hereupon His Augustness Fire-Subside thought of what had gone before, and heaved one deep sigh. So Her Augustness Luxuriant-Jewel-Princess, hearing the sigh, informed her father, saying: “Though he has dwelt three years [with us], he had never sighed; but this night he heaved one deep sigh. What may be the cause of it?” The Great Deity her father asked his son-in-law saying: “This morning I heard my daughter speak, saying: ‘Though he has dwelt three years [with us], he had never sighed; but this night he heaved one deep sigh.’ What may the cause be? Moreover what was the cause of thy coming here?” Then [His Augustness Fire-Subside] told the Great Deity exactly how his elder brother had pressed him for the lost fish-hook. Thereupon the Sea-Deity summoned together all the fishes of the sea, great and small, and asked them, saying: “Is there perchance any fish that has taken this fish-hook?” So all the fishes replied: “Lately the tahi has complained of something sticking in its throat preventing it from eating; so it doubtless has taken [the hook].” On the throat of the tahi being thereupon examined, there was the fish-hook [in it]. Being forthwith taken, it was washed and respectfully presented to His Augustness Fire-Subside, whom the Deity Great-Ocean-Possessor then instructed. (tr. Chamberlain 1919:149)

Watatsumi instructs Hoori how to deal with Hoderi, and chooses another mythic Japanese dragon, a wani “crocodile” or “shark”, to transport his daughter and son in law back to land.

Two Nihongi contexts refer to Watatsumi in legends about Emperor Keikō and Emperor Jimmu. First, the army of Emperor Keikō encounters Hashirimizu 馳水 “running waters” crossing from Sagami Province to Kazusa Province. The calamity is attributed to the Watatsumi 海神 “sea god” and placated through human sacrifice.

Next he marched on to Sagami, whence he desired to proceed to Kadzusa. Looking over the sea, he spake with a loud voice, and said: “This is but a little sea: one might even jump over it.” But, when he came to the middle of the sea a storm suddenly arose, and the Prince’s ship was tossed about, so that he could not cross over. At this time there was a concubine in the Prince’s suite, named Oto-tachibana-hime. She was the daughter of Oshiyama no Sukune of the Hodzumi House. She addressed the Prince, saying: “This present uprising of the winds and rushing of the waves, so that the Prince’s ship is like to sink, must be due to the wishes of the God of the Sea. I pray thee let me go into the sea, and so let the person of thy mean handmaiden be given to redeem the life of the Prince’s Augustness.” Having finished speaking, she plunged into the billows. The storm forthwith ceased, and the ship was enabled to reach the shore. Therefore the people of that time called that sea Hashiri-midzu. (tr. Aston 1896:206)

Second, the genealogy of Emperor Jimmu claims descent from the goddess Toyotama-hime, the daughter of Hori and Otohime, who is identified as the daughter of Watatsumi 海童.

The Emperor Kami Yamato Ihare-biko’s personal name was Hiko-hoho-demi. He was the fourth child of Hiko-nagisa-takeu-gaya-fuki-ahezu no Mikoto. His mother’s name was Tamayori-hime, daughter of the Sea-God. From his birth, this Emperor was of clear intelligence and resolute will. (tr. Aston 1896:109-110)

There is uncertainty whether Nihongi scribes wrote tsumi with dō 童 “child; boy” simply for pronunciation or for some semantic significance.

The Three Watasumis: Watatsumi Sanjin
When Izanagi’s sister-wife dies giving birth to the fire god Kagutsuchi, his destroying it creates various deities, including the water dragon Kuraokami. After Izanagi goes to the underworld in a futile attempt to bring Izanami back to life, he returns to the world and undergoes ritual purifications to cleanse himself of hellish filth. He creates 12 deities from his garments and belongings and 14 (including the 3 Watatsumis) from bathing himself.

With the tsu 津 in these three dragon names being read as the genitive particle “of”, they rule different water depths in the sea, soko 底 “bottom; underneath”, naka 中 “middle; center”, and uwa 上 “above; top” (Kojiki) or uwa 表 “surface; top” (Nihongi). Chamberlain (1919:48) notes, “There is the usual doubt as to the signification to be assigned to the syllable tsu in the second, fourth and last of these names. If it really means, not “elder” but “possessor,” we should be obliged to translate by “the Bottom-Possessing-Male,” etc.”

The earlier Kojiki version of the “Three Watatsumi Gods” calls them Wakatsumikami 綿津見神 “Wakatsumi gods”: Sokotsu Watatsumikami 底津, Nakatsu Watatsumikami 中津綿津見神, and Uwatsu Watatsumikami 上津綿津見神.

Thereupon saying: “The water in the upper reach is [too] rapid; the water in the lower reach is [too] sluggish,” he went down and plunged in the middle reach; and, as he washed, there was first born the Wondrous-Deity-of-Eighty-Evils, and next the Wondrous-Deity-of-Great-Evils. These two Deities are the Deities that were born from the filth [he contracted] when he went to that polluted, hideous land. The names of the Deities that were next born to rectify those evils were: the Divine-Rectifying-Wondrous Deity, next the Great-Rectifying-Wondrous-Deity, next the Female-Deity-Idzu. The names of the Deities that were next born, as he bathed at the bottom of the water, were: the Deity Possessor-of-the-Ocean-Bottom, and next His Augustness Elder-Male-of-the-Bottom. The names of the Deities that were born as he bathed in the middle [of the water] were: the Deity Possessor-of-the-Ocean-Middle, and next His Augustness Elder-Male-of-the-Middle. The names of the Deities that were born as he bathed at the top of the water were the Deity Possessor-of-the-Ocean-Surface, and next His Augustness Elder-Male-of-the-Surface. These three Ocean-Possessing Deities are the Deities held in reverence as their ancestral Deities by the Chiefs of Adzumi. So the Chiefs of Adzumi are the descendants of His Augustness Utsushi-hi-gana-saku, a child of these Ocean-Possessing Deities. These three Deities His Augustness Elder-Male-of-the-Bottom, His Augustness Elder-Male-of-the-Middle, and His Augustness Elder-Male-of-the-Surface are the three Great Deities of the Inlet of Sumi. (tr. Chamberlain 1919:45-46)

The later Nihongi version describes the “Three Watatsumi Gods” as Watatsumi Mikoto 少童命 “small child lords”: Sokotsu Watatsumi Mikoto 底津少童命, Nakatsu Watatsumi Mikoto 中津少童命, and Uwatsu Watatsumi Mikoto 表津少童命. These Watatsumis are paired with three O Mikoto 男命 “male lords”.

Moreover, the Deities which were produced by his plunging down and washing in the bottom of the sea were called Soko-tsu-wata-tsu-mi no Mikoto and Sokotsutsu-wo no Mikoto. Moreover, when he plunged and washed in the mid-tide, there were Gods produced who were called Naka I tsu wata-dzu-mi no Mikoto, and next Naka-tsutsu-wo no Mikoto. Moreover, when he washed floating on the surface of the water, Gods were produced, who were called Uha-tsu-wata-dzu-mi no Mikoto and next Uhai-tsutsu-wo no Mikoto. There were in all nine Gods. The Gods Soko-tsutsu-wo no Mikoto, Naka-tsutsu-wo no Mikoto, and Soko-tsutsu-wo no Mikoto are the three great Gods of Suminoye. The Gods Soko-tsu-wata-dzu-mi no Mikoto, Naka-tsu-wata-dzu-mi no Mikoto, and Uha-tsu-wata-dzu-mi no Mikoto are the Gods worshipped by the Muraji of Adzumi. (tr. Aston 1896:27)

Aston notes translations of “Bottom-sea-of-body”, “Middle-sea-god”, and “upper”.

There are numerous Shinto shrines dedicated to the sea god Watatsumi. Some examples include the Ōwatatsumi jinja or Daikai jinja 大海神社 in Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka (associated with the Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine), the Watatsumi jinja 海神社 in Tarumi-ku, Kobe, and the Watatsumi jinja 綿都美神社 in Kokura Minami-ku, Kitakyūshū.

Given the distribution of crocodiles in the Indian continent-to–ISEA region, it is possible that the Watatsumi deities originated in the ports of the Indo-Sakka region, i.e. North-western coast or Bay of Bengal coastal areas (which would make sense of the reference to the Indian “cotton-ports”, from which came the goods (cotton and silks, stones and jewels) coveted by the Greek and Roman merchants (see Voyage around the Erythaean Sea #56-57 ). The crocodile was the (totemic?) mount of the Indian-Iranian sea deity Varuna or Waruna. It has been said that the myths of Hoori and Hoderi, the Watatsumi sea deities and the Ryugu dragon are Korean in origin (Japanese Myths of Descent from Heaven and Their Korean Parallels), however, this seemingly makes nonsense of the idea of Toyotama-hime’s taking the form of the totem animal of her native land, the crocodile, since crocodiles are obviously non-native to Korea:

“…wani is a fundamental theme in the myth of the demigod brothers Hoori and Hoderi. The sea god Watatsumi or Ryūjin” summoned together all the crocodiles” (tr. Chamberlain 1919:150) and chose one to escort his pregnant daughter Toyotama-hime and her husband Hoori from the Ryūgū-jō palace back to land. Soon after their arrival, the beautiful Toyatama-hime made a bizarre request concerning her shapeshifting into a wani.

Then, when she was about to be delivered, she spoke to her husband [saying]: “Whenever a foreigner is about to be delivered, she takes the shape of her native land to be delivered.” — Wani (Dragon)

However, if we consider that the Korean peninsula’s first king of Kara, King Suro’s marriage to an Indian princess, and that many Indo-Scythian or Indo-Iranian elements are manifested in the tomb culture of Silla, Paekche and Gaya chiefdoms thus evidencing trading contacts with Indo-Iranian (perhaps Indo-Sakka or Indo-Bactrian) culture and alliances with people from the Indian subcontinent, then the mythical themes of crocodiles, naga-like dragons and sea-deities, princesses, and jewels, then the abovementioned tales begin to make a lot of sense.
- source : japanesemythology.wordpress.com


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　


. Dragon Shrines of Japan .


[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]
[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

- Nature - INFO

[ . BACK to DARUMA Museum TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Nature and Dragon Names
Natur und Drachen

There are many phenomenon in nature carrying the name of the dragon.
And natural phenomenon that look like dragon . . .

under construction


. Nature and Dragon Names .

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


. Amur River in China 黑龍江 / 黒龍江 / 黒竜江 .
Black Dragon River, Heilongjiang, Kokuryuukoo, Kokuryuko


. Branch, branches like a dragon .


. Ike 池 - Ponds like dragons .
Lakes named "Dragon"



. Kare Sansui 枯山水 Garden with Sand and Stones .
The garden at the temple Tofuku-Ji (Toofukuji 東福寺) was created by the famous master gardener Shigemori Mirei.


.................................................................................




Kuzuryuugawa 九頭竜川 Kuzuryugawa
"Nine-headed dragon"
Kuzuryuu kyoo 九頭竜峡（くずりゅうきょう）gorge
Kuzuryuubashi 九頭竜橋（くずりゅうばし） bridge
Fukui


.................................................................................


. Ryuu no makura ishi 龍の枕石 stone pillow for the dragon .
Dragon's pillow rock



. Taki 滝 Waterfalls - Wasserfall .



. Tatsumaki 竜巻き "dragon whirl" .
tornado, whirlwind, twister - Wirbelsturm


. Tatsunokuchi, tatsu no kuchi 辰口　Mount Dragon Mouth .
Enoshima, Kanagawa. related to the Nichiren legends



. Tenryuugawa 天竜川 River Tenryugawa
From Suwa to Hamamatsu


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

MORE
. Nature and Dragon Names .

[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]
[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Ryu-O Dragon King

[ . BACK to DARUMA Museum TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Ryuu-oo 竜王 Ryu-O - The Dragon King

Der Drachenkönig


source :　www.butuzou.co.jp

The Dragon King　龍王 (or Dragon God, Ryuujin 竜神)
is a manifestation of the Snake. His realm is the ocean and he can climb to the sky, provoke clouds and rain.


Temples named
Ryuuooji 竜王寺 Ryuo-Ji "Dragon King Temple"

滋賀県蒲生郡竜王町 Shiga

香川県小豆郡小豆島町 Kagawa


. Nine Children of the Dragon King 龍生九子 .


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

In Buddhism we have the eight
Hachibushuu, Hachi Bushu 八部衆
Eight Legions, Eight Deva Guardians of Buddhism

. Hachibushu 八部衆.

Acht Gruppen göttlicher Wesen
Auch "Himmlische Drachen" (Tenryuu Hachibushuu) oder
"Drachengottheiten" (Ryuushin Hachibushuu) genannt.


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Hachidai ryuu-oo 八大竜王 Ryu-O
Eight Great Dragon Kings
Eight Dragon Kings
Acht grosse Drachenkönige



source :　www.ryu-sho.co.jp

Caraved from hinoki 桧 cedar wood.

Carved at a store called Dragon in Okayama
龍祥
岡山県岡山市南区新保1155-11


. Hachiryuu 八龍神社 Eight Dragon Shrines .

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　



Vishnu sleeping on Ananta

They are deities from India.


〔1〕Nanda 難陀（なんだ）（ナンダ Nanda の音写。「歓喜」の意）
アナンタ（Ananta）
. . . CLICK here for Photos !

〔2〕Hotsu Nanda 跋（ばつ）難陀（ウパナンダ Upananda「弟ナンダ」）
. . . CLICK here for Photos !

〔3〕Shagara 沙伽羅（しゃがら）（サーガラ Sgara「海」
. . . CLICK here for Photos !

〔4〕Washukichi 和修吉（わしゅきち）（バースキ Vsuki「九頭」）
ヴァースキ（Vaski)
. . . CLICK here for Photos !

〔5〕Tokushaka 徳叉迦（とくしゃか）（タクシャカ Takaka「多舌」）
タクシャカ(Taksaka)
. . . CLICK here for Photos !

〔6〕Anokudatsu 阿耨達（あのくだつ）（アナバタプタ Anavatapta「無熱悩」）
. . . CLICK here for Photos !

〔7〕Manashi 摩那斯（まなし）（マナスビン Manasvin「慈心」）
. . . CLICK here for Photos !

〔8〕Ubara 優鉢羅（うぱら）（ウトゥパラカ Utpalaka「青蓮華（れんげ）
. . . CLICK here for Photos !

source :　100.yahoo.co.jp

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


quote
Hachidai Ryuu-ou (Eight Great Dragon Kings)
are mentioned in the Lotus Sutra (Hokekyo 法華経) and they appear sometimes in Japanese artwork.
These eight are dragon kings said to live at the bottom of the sea, apparently in reference to the eight dragon kings, each with many followers, who assembled at Eagle Peak to hear the Lotus Sutra as expounded by the Historical Buddha. According to the Kairyu-o Sutra 海龍王経　(Sutra of the Dragon King of the Sea, Kairyu-o-kyo), dragons are often eaten by giant man-birds called Garudas, their natural enemy.
The Phoenix is another enemy of the dragon. Nanda Ryuuou, who is one member of the Hachidai group, can sometimes represent the whole set, as he does in the Hokke Mandala 法華曼荼羅.
source : - Mark Schumacher -

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

quote
eight great dragon kings
[八大竜王] ( hachidai-ryuo )
hachi ryuuoo 八竜王　/ 八龍王

Also, eight dragon kings.
Eight dragon kings who assembled at the gathering where Shakyamuni preached the Lotus Sutra, as described in the sutra. Kumarajiva's translation of the Lotus Sutra refers to them by their Sanskrit names:
Nanda, Upananda, Sagara, Vasuki, Takshaka,
Anavatapta, Manasvin, and Utpalaka.
According to the "Introduction" (first) chapter of the Lotus Sutra, each attends the gathering accompanied by several hundreds of thousands of followers.
source : www.sgilibrary.org

- - - - -


hachi ryuu nichi / hachi ryuu no hi 八竜日 day of the eight dragons
The first day of the new year, according to the yin-yang philosophy, with the constellation
ki no e ne 春の甲子(きのえね)
first day of the rat and the element water
..... hatsu kasshi 初甲子（はつかっし）

. WKD : first day of the rat and the element water .

ki no to i no hi 乙亥(きのとい)の日 (otsugai)
second day of the wild boar
twelfth of the sexagenary cycle

This day brings bad luck and should not be used to start a business.


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

quote
Dragon King’s Daughter
(represented on the Gohonzon Diagram by #22,
the Eight Great Dragon Kings)



Of all Shakyamuni’s teachings, only in the Lotus Sutra do women attain enlightenment. Shakyamuni challenges our misconception that time is needed to attain enlightenment. He also challenges us to realize that enlightened life exists not just in old learned men, but in the very young as well. That’s why there is no distinction among believers. The Dragon King’s Daughter is:

- not fully human
- female
- she attained enlightenment in an instant

Enlightenment is a state of life that is even difficult for Buddhas to fully comprehend. Yet, this state of life is available to us at every moment. The Dragon King’s Daughter represents attaining that enlightenment at this moment and then perceiving our life from this state. We use this wisdom available to us to constantly move our lives in a positive and happy direction.
source : www.gakkaionline.net


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Kairyuuooji 　海龍王寺　Temple KaiRyuo-Ji
Nara
奈良県奈良市法華寺
897 Hokkeji Kita-machi Nara City,




quote
Kairyuoji temple,
located to the east of Hokeji temple, was built for prayers for the safety of Japanese envoys during his voyage to China during the Tang Dynasty. The first chief priest of Kairyuoji temple, Genbo, was one of these envoys. He stayed in China for 17 years, together with Kibi no Makibi and Abe no Nakamaro.
During his return journey from China to Japan, his ship was caught in a violent storm, and he chanted the Kairyuo Sea Dragon King Sutra unceasingly.
It is said that the Sutra protected the ship, and since then, prayers for the safety of envoys crossing the sea to Japan have been offered at the temple.
source : www.pref.nara.jp


The tempel is famous for a five-storied pagoda.


small five-storied pagoda 五重小塔


source : genkikidx


Genbō (玄昉, d. 746), also known as Gembō,
was a Japanese scholar-monk and bureaucrat of the Imperial Court at Nara.

In 717-718, he was part of the Japanese mission to Tang China (Kentōshi) along with Kibi no Makibi and Abe no Nakamaro. Genbō stayed in China for 17 years before returning to Japan.
He was a prominent figure associated with the Hossō sect of Buddhism in Japan, appointed abbot (sojo) of Kōfuku-ji by Emperor Shomu.

740 (Tenpyō 12): Gembō made improper advances to the wife of Fujiwara no Hirotsugu, Hirotsugu petitioned for the removal of the priest, but Kibi no Makibi and Genbō conspired successfully to discredit him.
At the time of Genbō's death, it was popularly believed that he was killed by the vengeful spirit of Hirotsugu.
©　More in the WIKIPEDIA !


. Envoys to China 遣唐使 Kentoshi .

.................................................................................


The three Dragon Kings of shrine Muro Ryuketsu Jinja 室生竜穴神社
(Muroo ryuuketsu jinja)
(near tempel Murooji 室生寺 Muro-Ji in Nara)

Myokichijo Ryuketsu 妙吉祥竜穴
Mochiho Kichijo Ryuketsu 持法妙吉祥竜穴
Sashara Ebisu Kichijo Ryuketsu 沙遮羅夷吉祥竜穴

At the entrance to the shrine is a frame with the inscription
Zennyo Ryuuoo 善女龍王社 Dragon Lady Zennyo



Seiryoo Gongen 清滝権現 and
. the Dragon Lady Zennyo and Kannon .

. 善女龍王 carved by 円空 Enku .

. Zennyo Ryūō 善如龍王 / 善女龍王 .


. Dragon Shrines .



source :　nydwyn greendragon


Muro-ji
... by the Shingon Buddhist sect and completed in the early ninth century,
source : www.webpages.uidaho.edu

. WKD : Murooji, Murō-ji 室生寺 Muro-Ji .



Kichijoo ryuuketsu 吉祥龍穴 Kichijo Ryuketsu
Kissho Dragon Cave
an opening in the rocks behind temple Muro-Ji
The other two caves are not found today any more.

. . . CLICK here for Photos !


reference : Kichijooten 吉祥天 Kichijo Ten


The Ryuketsu in Nara is one of the three famous Ryuuketsu in Japan.
日本三大龍穴 three Dragon Holes of Japan:

. Kibune no Ryuketsu 貴船の龍穴 . kyoto
Bizen no Ryuketsu 備前の龍穴 (瀬戸内市, 岡山)


. . . . . btw


three great Dragon Deity shrine gates
roomon 楼門 tower gate

江ノ島神社楼門(神奈川)
赤間神宮楼門(下関市,山口)
武雄温泉楼門(佐賀)


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

海龍王経
The sutra on the king of the sea dragons is now in the National Museum in Nara.



At the temple Kairyuo-Ji an annual ceremony is held in memory of priest Genbo and the Dragon King Sutra. Prayers are for the safety of the four seas, for those who have to go and come back safely and for those who lost their lives on sea.



Shikai Anon kigan hooyoo 四海安穏祈願法要
source :　aoniyoshi


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Shooryuuji 正龍寺 Temples named Shoryu-Ji

文治４年（1187年）城下に青龍が出現し、龍泉の湖をつくり、住んだそうです。
後に和尚が教化し、「八大竜王」としてこの寺に祀ったそうです。
鹿児島県指宿市 Kagoshima
source : 正龍寺


. Temples named Seiryu-Ji .


. Seiryuu, Shooryuu 青竜 / 青龍 Azure Dragon .
Seiryu, Shoryu


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


There are also Shinto shrines dedicated to the Dragon king.

Ryuuoo jinja 龍王神社　Ryuo Jinja

. 竜王神社 Dragon King Shrines .


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


. Ryuuoo in 龍王院 Ryuo-In - Dragon God Shrine .
at Kinpusenji Nara 金峯山寺　
Dedicated to the Snake Deity Nooten Ookami 脳天大神 Noten Okami


. "Dragon King Dance" 竜王の舞 ryuuoo no mai .
at Shrine Uwase Jinja 宇波西神社
and
Ranryoo oo no mai 蘭陵王の舞



. 白龍龍寿大神 White Dragon God for Long Life .

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

goshiki ryuujin 五色龍神 Dragon God of five colors
In the 犬山市 Inuyama region and
金龍神 Golden - 白龍神 - White - 黒龍神 Black - 赤龍神 Red - 青龍神 Green
at 田無神社 Tanashi Jinja -Tokyo, Nishitokyo, 田無町3−7−4

ryuugonsan リュウゴンサン / 龍王神 the Dragon King Deity
Ehime

goshiki no tsume 五色の爪 nails of five colors of the 竜王 Dragon Deity
At the Temple Muro-Ji 室生寺の境内 along the river 室生川 the saint 慶円上人 Keien (1140 - 1223) once passed. At the riverside a female Dragon King 善女竜王 waited for him. He asked her to show her real features and after some discussion, she turned into a black cloud and showed her right hand. It had long nails of about 3 cm in five colors.
Since than the riverbank is called 爪出が淵 Tsumedegafuchi.

. goshiki 五色と伝説 Legends about the five ritual colors .

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　

. Ocean Dragon King Sutra: Ratnavati .


. Urashima Taro 浦島太郎
and the Dragon Palace .


. Dragon Temples .

. Nine Children of the Dragon King 龍生九子 .


Banryuu 蟠竜 Banryu“Coiling Dragon"
a dragon which is still on this earth, and has not yet climbed to heaven.



[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]
[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::