The main god of Japan mythology, the cosmic god of the origin of the universe

Amano Onchu Kami is said to have first appeared in Japan mythology at the time of the opening of heaven and earth, and his existence occupies an extremely important position as the source of the universe and the presiding officer of all things.
- Tenno-Gochu Main God ~ The Root God of the Universe in Japan Mythology and Its Multi-layered Transition
- 1. Primordial Beings in Japan Mythology ~ The Three Gods of Creation and the Rulers of the Universe
- 2. The Rarity of Faith in Ancient Times ~ The Compilation of the Chronicles and the Heavenly Goddess
- The Rise of Faith since the Middle Ages ~ Identification of Ise Shrine with Toyoke Ōkami
- Development from the Early Modern Period to the Meiji Era ~ Emperor Thought and the Principal God of Tenno-Onchu in State Shinto
- The deep relationship between the main god of heaven and Taoist thought ~ Myomi faith
- Belief in the Heavenly Goddess in the Modern Age: Diverse Benefits and Penetration into Modern Society
- Comparative Study of the Lord God of Heaven and Brahman ~ Creator God
- 1. Primordial Beings in Japan Mythology ~ The Three Gods of Creation and the Rulers of the Universe
Tenno-Gochu Main God ~ The Root God of the Universe in Japan Mythology and Its Multi-layered Transition
This god is said to have been involved in the creation of the universe as one of the "Three Gods of Creation" along with the other two pillars, Takami Musubikami and Kamimusubikami.
However, its specific form and activities are characterized by the fact that it is shrouded in mystery compared to other gods, and its peculiar nature has led to various developments in the beliefs and interpretations of later generations.
1. Primordial Beings in Japan Mythology ~ The Three Gods of Creation and the Rulers of the Universe

In major texts of Japan mythology, such as the Kojiki and Japan Shoki, Tenno-Gochu is depicted as the first god to appear in the high heavens when heaven and earth were still in chaos. As the name implies, "God who presides over the center of the heavens," this god is regarded as the central being of the universe, that is, the primordial force that creates and rules over all things.
It is said that he was responsible for establishing the order of the universe and guiding the birth and activities of the gods as the "Three Gods of Creation" along with the High Birth Nest Sun God and the God Birth Nest Sun God.





The main god of the Heavenly Kingdom, which is said to disappear soon afterwards, indicates the transcendent nature of this god to rule the universe by issuing commands to other gods from the invisible world, rather than taking concrete actions.
Its existence has a strong symbolic meaning as the primordial energy of the universe, an absolute being that watches over everything. He is also positioned as the head of the "Five Pillar Gods" and emphasizes his role as the ruler of the universe.




2. The Rarity of Faith in Ancient Times ~ The Compilation of the Chronicles and the Heavenly Goddess
It is noteworthy that there are few traces of concrete beliefs in the pre-Heian period. This suggests that this god may have been created as an abstract concept in the process of compiling the Chronicle.
It is thought that the ancient people had little faith in transcendent beings such as the main god of Tenno-Onchu, because they worshipped gods with specific stories and divine virtues.


As can be seen from the fact that there are few descriptions in the Kiki, the main god of Tenno-Onchu is an important deity involved in the creation of the mythical world, but no specific rituals or legends are told.
This suggests that for people at that time, the gods who were closely related to their lives were more familiar to them than the abstract gods who controlled the source of the universe.

The Rise of Faith since the Middle Ages ~ Identification of Ise Shrine with Toyoke Ōkami
The belief in the main god of heaven gradually began to manifest itself in the Middle Ages. In particular, during the Kamakura period, the priests of Ise Jingu began to equate the chief deity of Tenno-Onchu with the Toyoke Ōkami, which was a major impetus for the expansion of the faith. Toyoke Ōkami is the goddess of food and industry enshrined in the outer shrine of Ise Jingu Shrine, and is indispensable to people's lives.

With the association of the main god of heaven and the god of fertility, the main god of the universe, which was an abstract god of the universe, came to be recognized as a more concrete deity, and began to attract people's beliefs.
This identification was an epoch-making event that changed the belief in the Lord God of Heaven from something abstract and distant to something familiar and concrete.


By connecting with the divine virtues of the god of fertility, the main god of Tenno-Onchu strengthened his aspect as a god who protected people's lives and industries.
Development from the Early Modern Period to the Meiji Era ~ Emperor Thought and the Principal God of Tenno-Onchu in State Shinto
From the early modern period to the Meiji era, the belief in the main god of Tenno-Onchu entered a new stage. After the Meiji Restoration, the government positioned the main god of Tenno-Gochu as the god who formed the source of the emperor's authority in order to promote the idea of patriotism of the emperor.
As a result, many shrines began to enshrine the main deity of Tenno-Onchu, and its influence expanded throughout the country.


As the name "Lord of the Center of Heaven" suggests, it is undeniable that the main god of heaven was used politically as a god to justify the state system centered on the emperor. In state Shintoism, the chief deity of Tenno-Onchu functioned as a deity that symbolized the origin of the Japan nation and also as a symbol of national unity.
The deep relationship between the main god of heaven and Taoist thought ~ Myomi faith
It has also been pointed out that the main god of Heaven is influenced by Taoist thought. In particular, it has been pointed out that it is related to the "Heavenly Emperor", the supreme god in Taoism, and the "North Star" (North Star), which is revered as the center of the universe, and this makes the belief in the main god of Heaven more diverse.
The Myomi cult is a belief that deifies the North Star, dispels disasters, and brings good luck, but by associating with the main god of Tenno-Onchu, it has come to emphasize its aspect as a more powerful guardian deity.


In this belief, the main deity of the Heavenly Heavenly Universe is sometimes identified with the Bodhisattva of Myōmi, and his existence reinforces his character as the center of the universe and the source of order.
Belief in the Heavenly Goddess in the Modern Age: Diverse Benefits and Penetration into Modern Society
Even in modern times, the belief in the main god of heaven has been passed down in various forms. Many people pray for benefits such as longevity, healing, and good luck, and in some cases, it is worshipped as a god of easy childbirth and child-rearing, such as Suitengu.
This is because it is believed that the main god of Tenno-Onchu, as a god with the fundamental power of the universe, responds to people's various wishes.


Many shrines, such as Chiba Shrine, Chichibu Shrine, and Tokyo Daijingu Shrine, enshrine the main deity of Tenno-Onchu, and each region and belief system has its own interpretation and rituals.
This shows that the main god of Tenno-Onchu has changed as a god with various aspects according to the times and the wishes of the people.



Comparative Study of the Lord God of Heaven and Brahman ~ Creator God
The chief deity of the Heavenly Heavens is sometimes compared to Brahman, the creator god of the universe in Hinduism. Both are the primordial forces of the universe and are said to create and rule all things, but their cultural backgrounds and belief systems are very different.
Brahman is the cosmic principle in Hinduism and is the absolute being that is considered to be the source of all things.


Brahman is the being of being, a concept that encompasses the entire universe. In Hinduism, Brahman is manifested in the trinity of Brahma (creator), Vishnu (sustainment), and Shiva (destruction).
Unlike these gods, the main god of Tenno-Onchu is rarely depicted in any specific activities or figures.
In this way, both the main god of heaven and Brahman are positioned as the fundamental beings of the universe, but there are significant differences in their belief systems and mythological roles. Each god has developed in its own way in different religious and cultural contexts.

Summary ~ The multi-layered aspects of the main god of Tenno-Gochu and its importance in Japan culture
The main god of Tenno-Gochu is not only an important deity in Japan mythology, but also an indispensable presence in understanding the spiritual culture of the Japan people.
The history of its transformation from an abstract existence to a god who brings concrete benefits symbolizes the religious views of the Japan, which has flexibly responded to social conditions and people's wishes.
From ancient times to the present day, the main god of Tenno-Onchu continues to be worshipped by many people through his multifaceted aspects.
This belief in God is deeply connected to Japan's history, religion, and culture, and its influence is still strongly felt in modern society. It can be said that the existence of the main god of heaven is an important key to a deep understanding of the spiritual culture of Japan people.





