Read, reflect, pray
Homage to the primordial kami
拝太元尊神詞
A prayer honoring Amenominakanushi, Takamimusubi, Kamimusubi and the other separate heavenly kami.
English meaning and source text
English meaning
About this English rendering
This site’s English rendering of the Japanese meaning guide, aligned with this edition. It is separate from the source words for recitation and is not an official liturgy. Sacred sounds are explained where possible, not given speculative literal translations. Historical beliefs, royal authority, illness and protection claims belong to the text; they are not present-day judgments, medical advice or guarantees of results.
Dwelling at the center of Takamagahara,
Amenominakanushi Ōmikami, whose name I speak with the deepest awe,
Takamimusubi Ōmikami,
and Kamimusubi Ōmikami:
beginning with you,
before all the separate heavenly kami,
with deep respect I offer distant homage.
Source text and reading aid
Roman letters are provided for every line of this source text.
How to use the Roman letters
Roman letters follow the kana displayed in this site’s Japanese reader; some readings are editorial additions documented on the Japanese page. These are a reading aid, not restored Sanskrit or a recording of a temple’s chanting. Historical spellings (such as wo, wi, we and ha used as a particle) are kept. Double vowels and repeated vowels mark the written kana; rhythm and pronunciation can differ by tradition.
You can simply read the meaning or sit quietly. No recitation is required. For a temple or shrine’s own recitation, follow that tradition’s published guidance.
本文
高天原の天眞區に神留坐す、
takamanoharano amatsumahorani kamuzumarimasu,
挂卷も綾に畏き天之御中主大御神、
kakemakumo ayani kashikoki amenominakanushinoohomikami,
高皇産靈大御神、
takamimusubinoohomikami,
神皇産靈大御神を、
kamimusubinoohomikamiwo,
始め奉り、
hajime tatematsuri,
凡て別天神等の大御前を、
subete kotoamatsukamitachino ohomimahewo,
愼み敬ひ畏み畏みも遙に拜み奉る。
tsutsushimi wiyahi kashikomi kashikomimo harukani wogami tatematsuru.
Connected kami and buddhas
These connections include figures addressed, mentioned, or associated by tradition. They do not assign a universal recitation practice.
Sources and edition (1)
English explanations on this page were prepared by Inori no Mori from the cited text and its Japanese explanations. They are not an official translation or a prescribed liturgy.