Fushimi Inari is a large shrine complex built on the side of Mt. Inari. This grand shrine begins with two large torii gates and various other gates and small shrines that surround the Main Shrine building. The shrine here is dedicated to the kami named Inari, who's role began as the kami of rice, agriculture, and silkworms. Over the course of history however, Inari's role evolved to now include being a kami guardian of success in business matters. Inari is worshiped to this day by business men, women, and their companies and they show their support to this shrine by donating money to erect one of the many torii gates that line the numerous paths leading away from the Main Shrine and up Mt. Inari. The reason for the attention to Fushimi Inari begins with the large number of Inari shrines scattered about Japan and Fushimi Inari is at the head of all other Inari shrines.
One of the other roles Inari plays is with his/her (Inari can appear in several forms including that of an old man or a woman with flowing hair) foxes (kitsune). Foxes often appear alongside Inari as they are perceived to be his messengers and watchful eyes on human affairs. Usually, two fox statues appear next to the distinguishable vermilion torii gates common at Inari shrines, and at Fushimi Inari many large fox statues appear all over the complex. |
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