Originally, Takanomiya was written as 高宮, literally meaning “high castle”, to signify the high elevation of its location.

Enshrined here is Toyouke-Omikami, the same deity enshrined in the Grand Shrine. The same deity being enshrined in two different places ties to the belief that the deity has a “nigimi-tama” and an “arami-tama”—simply put, a tranquil, gentle side along with a rough, active side. Even if it’s the same Toyouke-Omikami, her arami-tama (or rough side) is enshrined in Geku and Naiku.

Food is indispensable to people. Yet, no matter how far science develops, it cannot produce food on its own without the help of nature and the gods. In the past, especially, farming and fishing were also entrusted to the gods. Festivals are held before planting the rice fields, while growing rice, to prevent the coming of typhoons, as well as to express gratitude for the harvest. Tracing the roots of sumo and kabuki reveals that they originated as forms of prayer for a bountiful harvest. Wherever you travel in Japan, you find gods and festivals, as this is what people had wished for.

Perhaps it’s because we no longer worry about food that the connection between food and survival has faded in modern times. People have forgotten their gratitude to the gods and don’t pray as often. If we realize how being able to eat is not something to be taken for granted, our gratitude to the gods would surge up inside us. We are able to eat and live thanks to the gods. For the Japanese people, praying could be their own way of reaffirming the importance of gods who support their daily lives.

The etymology of “taberu” (to eat) lies in “taubu” (to give)—that is, to receive from the gods. The act of eating is thus a religious act. The Japanese people put their hands together and say “itadakimasu” (I shall humbly receive). Perhaps praying in Geku can help remind us of the significance of this phrase.