Basic Terms of Shinto 神道基本用語集

詳細表示 (Complete Article)

Title
Ôkuninushi no kami
オオクニヌシノカミ
Text Great Land Possessor. Also known by the names Ônamuchi, Ashihara no shikoo, Yachihoko, Ôkunitama, and Utsushikunitama no kami. Said to be either the child or grandchild of Susanoo no mikoto, Ôkuninushi no kami was persecuted by his many brothers, and repeatedly exposed to danger, but always saved by the intervention of mysterious helpers. In one legend illustrating his kindness, he is depicted saving a rabbit whose fur was torn off by crocodiles. He received permission to marry Susanoo no mikoto's daughter Suseribime and was designated as the possessor of the utsushiyo or manifest world. There he punished evil spirits, developed the land, cured illnesses and gave medicines, removed damage caused by birds and insects, and then presented the land to Ninigi no mikoto, who was sent from heaven by his grandmother Amaterasu Ômikami. Ôkuninushi no kami is enshrined at Izumo Taisha and is widely worshiped as a provider of happiness, especially marital happiness. See also Daikoku.