Inari is a popular and complex deity in Japanese mythology, worshipped in both Shinto and Buddhist religions. Inari is the kami of prosperity, tea, agriculture, industry, and smithing. In some contexts, Inari is referred to as male, female, or androgynous.
The name Inari is derived from the Japanese words “ina” meaning rice plant and “ri” meaning benefactor. Inari is also known as Ō-Inari, the principal kami of Shinto. Inari is associated with foxes, fertility, rice, tea, and sake, as well as prosperity, success, and industry.
Inari is often depicted as a fox or a human with fox-like features, holding a sheaf of rice or a key. Inari’s family tree includes many other deities, including Ukanomitama, the kami of agriculture and food; Suijin, the kami of water; and Sukuna-bikona, the kami of medicine. Inari’s mythology is rich and varied, with stories of Inari’s interactions with humans, other deities, and the natural world.
Overview
Inari is a Japanese deity worshiped in both Shinto and Buddhist religions. The name Inari is derived from the word “inari,” which means “fox” in Japanese. Inari is associated with foxes, fertility, rice, tea, sake, prosperity, success, and industry. Inari is one of the most popular and famous deities in Japan, and it is widely worshiped by people from all walks of life.
Inari is often depicted as a beautiful woman or a fox with multiple tails. The deity is known for its ability to bring prosperity and good fortune to those who worship it. Inari is also associated with agriculture, especially rice cultivation, and is considered the patron of farmers and swordsmiths.
Inari is believed to have a close relationship with the god Uka-no-Mitama, who is the guardian of agriculture and the harvest. Inari is also believed to have a family tree that includes other deities such as Tamayori-hime, who is the goddess of the spirit world, and Ukanomitama-no-kami, who is the god of agriculture and industry.
Overall, Inari is a revered deity in Japanese culture, and its influence is felt in various aspects of Japanese life. From agriculture to industry, Inari is associated with prosperity, success, and good fortune, and it continues to be an important figure in the religious and cultural landscape of Japan.
Etymology
Inari is a Japanese kami, or deity, whose name is derived from the word “ina,” meaning “rice plant,” and “ri,” meaning “benefit” or “profit.” As such, Inari is often associated with agriculture, prosperity, and success. Inari is also known as “Oinari,” which means “great Inari.”
Inari is often depicted as a fox, which is considered a sacred animal in Japanese folklore. According to legend, foxes are believed to have the power to shape-shift and possess magical abilities.
Inari’s association with foxes is reflected in the deity’s full name, “Inari Okami,” which means “great god Inari.” The word “okami” is often used to refer to wolves, but in this case, it is used to describe the fox’s supernatural powers.
Inari is also associated with fertility, tea, sake, and industry. In ancient Japan, Inari was believed to be the patron of swordsmiths and merchants, and was often depicted carrying a sword and a bag of rice.
Overall, Inari is a complex and multifaceted deity, whose name and attributes reflect the importance of agriculture, prosperity, and success in Japanese culture.
Attributes
Symbols
Inari is often depicted with a fox, which is considered a messenger of the god. The fox is also believed to be able to transform into a human form, which is why Inari is sometimes depicted as a fox with a human face. Inari is also associated with the color red, which is often seen in the torii gates leading to Inari shrines.
Powers
Inari is considered a god of prosperity, agriculture, industry, and smithing. Inari is also associated with the power to grant wishes, especially related to fertility and success in business. Inari is believed to be able to bring good fortune and success to those who worship the god.
Depictions
Inari is often depicted as a male or female figure, sometimes holding a sheaf of rice or a fox. Inari is also sometimes depicted as a pair of figures, one male and one female, representing the god’s dual nature. Inari is often depicted wearing a white robe and carrying a scepter or a sword.
In summary, Inari is a god of prosperity and success, associated with agriculture, industry, and smithing. Inari is often depicted with a fox, which is a messenger of the god, and is associated with the color red. Inari is believed to have the power to grant wishes and bring good fortune to those who worship the god.
Family Tree
Parentage
Inari is the grandson of Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun and the Queen of the Heavens. His father is Ōgetsu-Hime, the goddess of food, harvest, and agriculture, while his mother is Ukemochi, the goddess of food and agriculture. Inari was born in the heavenly realm of Takamagahara.
Offspring
Inari is believed to have three daughters, known as the Sanja Sama or “Three Deities.” These three goddesses are responsible for protecting the rice fields and ensuring a bountiful harvest. The three daughters are said to be incarnations of the goddesses of the sun, moon, and stars.
Relationships
Inari is often depicted with foxes, who are believed to be his messengers. Inari is also closely associated with Tanuki, a Japanese raccoon dog, who is often depicted alongside him in artwork and statues. Inari is also believed to have a close relationship with Uka-no-Mitama, the goddess of agriculture and farming, as they both share similar responsibilities.
Inari’s family tree is an important aspect of his mythology, as it highlights his close association with agriculture and food production. The relationships between Inari and the other deities in his family tree demonstrate the interconnectedness of the natural world and the importance of working together to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Mythology
Origins
Inari is a Japanese deity that has been worshipped for centuries. The exact origins of Inari are unknown, but it is believed that the deity may have originated from the ancient Japanese religion of animism. According to the Shinto religion, Inari is a kami, or a spirit, that is associated with foxes, fertility, rice, tea, and sake.
Tales
There are many tales and legends that surround Inari. One of the most popular tales is the story of the white fox. According to the legend, a white fox appeared to a poor farmer and told him to build a shrine to Inari. The farmer did as he was told, and soon his farm prospered. The white fox was believed to be a messenger of Inari.
Another tale tells of a young woman who was saved by a fox while she was lost in the woods. The fox led her to a shrine dedicated to Inari, and the woman became a devout follower of the deity.
Cultural Impact
Inari has had a significant cultural impact in Japan. The deity is associated with prosperity, success, and industry, and is often worshipped by farmers, merchants, and tradespeople. Inari shrines can be found throughout Japan, and the deity is often depicted as a fox or a figure holding a sheaf of rice.
Inari’s influence can also be seen in popular culture. The deity has been featured in anime, manga, and video games, and is often depicted as a powerful and benevolent force. Inari’s popularity has also spread beyond Japan, with many people around the world becoming interested in the deity’s mythology and cultural significance.