Among around 12,000 Tenmangu Shrines across Japan,
the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is regarded as the most
important. The main deity of the Tenmangu is the Tenjin,
a Shinto god of education, which Sugawara Michizane
has been associated with. Michizane was bright from a
young age and quickly developed his political career,
gaining more influence and climbed high within the ranks
of the imperial court. Ultimately, Michizane was in conflict
with the dominating power of the Fujiwara clan, which led
to his exile from Kyoto to Dazaifu located in Kyushu. Just
a few years in exile, Michizane passed away in 903 with
his remains buried at the current site of Dazaifu
Tenmangu Shrine. The legend goes that the bull pulling
the cart with his remains suddenly refused to move when
they reached the location of Tenmangu. Disciples of
Michizane thought it was a sign that their teacher wanted
to be here and buried him. Natural disasters and sudden
deaths of members of the imperial court were perceived
as the curse of Michizane. In order to calm the angry
spirit, the imperial court made offerings to the spirit, along
with the construction of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine was
built on the site of this burial ground.
After passing the torii gates, visitors will be greeted by
the sacred cow statue. The color on the nose and horns
are different from the rest of the body, due to worshipers
believing in rubbing these areas bring luck. As visitors
proceed to the main hall of the shrine, 3 bridges
representing the past, present, and future will provide the
path going forward. The plum trees in front of the main
hall is said to have flown over from Kyoto to Kyushu to be
with Sugawara Michizane, who was very fond of plum
trees. Many of the Tenmangu Shrines in Japan today will
typically be surrounded with plum trees, which bloom
from late February to mid March. Travelers can purchase
a wide variety of special luck charms at this shrine for
success in education, which is most popular among
students in Japan.
