1.
sacred object; object of worship; divine body
A physical object enshrined in a Shinto shrine that is believed to house or represent a deity (kami). Common examples include mirrors, swords, jewels, stones, and natural objects such as mountains or trees.
A compound of 御 (honorific prefix), 神 (deity), and 体 (body). Literally 'the body of the deity.' The 御 prefix reflects the deep reverence with which these objects are treated.
Common collocations
- 御神体を祀る: to enshrine the sacred object
- 御神体を拝む: to worship the sacred object
- 御神体が安置されている: the sacred object is enshrined
- 山を御神体とする: to regard a mountain as the sacred object
TYPES OF 御神体:
Cultural note
The 御神体 is typically kept hidden in the innermost sanctuary (本殿) of a shrine and is rarely, if ever, shown to the public. This secrecy itself is part of Shinto tradition — the unseen nature of the object reinforces its sacred status. The concept reflects the Shinto belief that 神 can dwell in physical objects and natural phenomena.