Unlocking the Mystery of Sessha: The Auxiliary Shrines of Japan
When travelers step through the vermilion torii gates of a Japanese Shinto shrine, their eyes are naturally drawn to the Haiden (worship hall) and the Honden (main sanctuary). These grand structures house the primary deity, or Saijin, and serve as the focal point for prayers and festivals. However, scattered around these main halls, nestled under ancient cedars or tucked into quiet corners of the precinct, are smaller, modest shrines. These are known as Setsumatsusha, a collective term for auxiliary and subordinate shrines. Among them, the Sessha (auxiliary shrines) hold a profound significance that often goes unnoticed by the casual observer.
Understanding the origin of the Sessha is key to unlocking the complex genealogy of Japanese mythology and the hierarchical nature of Shinto worship. They are not merely decorative; they are the spiritual family members and guardians of the main deity.
The Origins: A Divine Hierarchy
The term “Sessha” (摂社) is historically significant, distinct from the lower-ranking “Massha” (末社). The origins of this classification date back over a millennium, specifically solidifying during the Heian period with the compilation of the Engishiki (Procedures of the Engi Era) in 927 AD. This ancient legal code included the Jimmyocho, a register of deities and shrines, which established a formal hierarchy among the kami (gods).
A Sessha is defined by its deep, intrinsic connection to the main deity of the shrine. Unlike Massha, which may house local land spirits or lesser-connected deities, Sessha are reserved for high-status kami. These usually fall into two categories: familial relations to the main god (spouses, parents, or children) or the Aramitama (rough or vigorous spirit) of the main god.
Historically, the establishment of a Sessha was a way to honor the lineage of the gods, mirroring the importance of family clans and imperial hierarchy in ancient Japanese society. By worshipping the Sessha alongside the main shrine, devotees acknowledge that the power of the main deity is supported and amplified by their divine kin.
Legend and Mythology: The Family of Gods
The stories behind Sessha are ripped straight from the pages of Japan’s oldest chronicles. To understand the Sessha is to understand the interpersonal drama of the Shinto pantheon.
The Aramitama Connection
One of the most fascinating aspects of Sessha origins is the concept of the soul’s duality. Shinto belief suggests a deity has a Nigimitama (peaceful side) and an Aramitama (wild, vigorous side). The main sanctuary often houses the peaceful spirit, while a prominent Sessha nearby will house the rough spirit. For example, at the prestigious Ise Jingu, the Aramitama of the sun goddess Amaterasu is worshipped at a separate Sessha called the Aramatsuri-no-miya. Legends state that the vigorous spirit requires its own space to be pacified and harnessed for protection, separate from the benevolent calm of the main hall.
Divine Lineage
In other instances, legends dictate the placement of Sessha based on family duty. If a shrine is dedicated to a child deity, you will almost certainly find a Sessha dedicated to their parents nearby. This is rooted in the Confucian and Shinto values of filial piety. At Izumo Taisha, dedicated to Okuninushi (the god of relationship-building), there are Sessha dedicated to his ancestors and descendants, creating a physical map of his mythological family tree.
Modern Culture and Significance
In modern Japan, the distinction between Sessha and Massha has blurred slightly in the public consciousness, often grouped simply as “small shrines.” However, for the devout and the priesthood, the distinction remains vital. During major festivals (Matsuri), priests will often perform rituals at the Sessha immediately after the main shrine, ensuring the entire divine family is honored.
For contemporary Japanese people, visiting the Sessha allows for more specific prayers. While the main deity might be a general guardian of the land, a specific Sessha within the grounds might be famous for curing eye ailments, granting safe childbirth, or ensuring academic success, based on the specific legend of the sub-deity enshrined there.
Traveler’s Tips: How to Visit a Sessha
Exploring Sessha can turn a quick shrine visit into a deep cultural immersion. Here is how to identify and appreciate them:
- Look for the Signboards: While smaller than the main hall, Sessha usually have a wooden signboard identifying the deity. If you see the characters 摂社 (Sessha), you know this kami is a VIP relative of the main god.
- Order of Worship: It is proper etiquette to pay your respects at the main shrine (Honsha) first. Once you have finished there, you may proceed to the Sessha and Massha. The method of prayer (two bows, two claps, one bow) is the same.
- Observe the Architecture: Sessha are often miniature versions of the main hall, preserving architectural styles that may be older or more traditional than reconstructed main buildings.
- Find the Aramitama: Ask a priest or look at a map to find the shrine of the “rough spirit.” These spots are often considered “power spots” (places of high spiritual energy) by locals.
Sources & Further Reading
For those wishing to delve deeper into the genealogy of the gods and the legal structures that created the Sessha system, the following historical texts are essential:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Japan’s oldest chronicle (712 AD), detailing the birth of the gods and their family trees.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Completed in 720 AD, this text provides alternative versions of myths that often explain why certain deities are worshipped together.
- The Engishiki (Procedures of the Engi Era): Specifically the Jinmyocho section, which provides the historical legal basis for the ranking of shrines.