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.
この神社の御神体は鏡だ。
The sacred object of this shrine is a mirror.
御神体は一般の参拝者には公開されていない。
The sacred object is not open to the general public.
山そのものを御神体として祀る神社は日本各地にある。
Shrines that enshrine an entire mountain as a sacred object exist throughout Japan.
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:
- 鏡: mirror (the most common type)
- 剣: sword
- 玉: jewel
- 石: stone
- 山: mountain (e.g., 三輪山 at 大神神社)
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.