Normally, at the entrance of the shrine There are
guardian dogs (KOMA-INU). They observe the shrine in pairs. But in Kyoto, there
is a shrine that is guarded by a pair of rats.
Origin of guardian dogs is lion. Ancient, Japanese did
not have seen the lion. So they have built it as a dog.
In general, the right side of the dog has open mouth.
This symbolizes the birth. This figure comes from the fact that baby cry at the
moment of birth. The left side of the dog should have closed its mouth. This is
a symbol of death and the end. This combination can be seen also in Deva King
who is in the temple of the gate.
Dafeng shrine (ŌTOYO Shrine) is located in the eastern
part of Kyoto. It is a small shrine. The precincts of this shrine, there are
"Komanezumi". The right side of the mouse has a scroll. The left side
of the mouse is holding a acorn.
Japanese were agricultural people. They've been engaged
in the rice from ancient times. So, human beings have been hostile to the rat.
However, rats have been loved by the Japanese. Mouse lays a lot of children. So
in Japan rats became prolific symbol.
Mouse helps God in mythology. It is a story about God's
great power master's orders (ŌKUNINUSHI-NO-MIKOTO). He would be surrounded by a
fire in the middle of the field. Rats came when he is in trouble. Mouse has
guided him to the hole. Thus he was able to survive.
ŌTOYO Shrine is dedicated to ŌKUNINUSHI-NO-MIKOTO. Mouse
has been a messenger of this God. So shrine has been protected by the rat.
Tourists do not visit much
to this shrine. Precinct is very quiet. Near the shrine there is a promenade.
It has been called the "Road of philosophy". This is around there
lived philosopher. They were thinking while walking this road. This road is the
attractions of autumn leaves and cherry.