Nezu Shrine is one of the Tokyo ten shrines. Shinto shrine is a shrine where the deity is Kami. The chief deity of the Nezu Shrine is the sea and storm. Deity in the form of Kami is a beautiful concept. Kami are in various forms; spirits, mythological, spiritual, or natural phenomena that are respected in the Shinto religion. They can be elements of the landscape, forces of nature, qualities of great personalities. Kami is considered ancient ancestors. In Shinto shrines, Kami represents nature. Kami is representative of the interconnectedness of the universe. To be in harmony with the inspiring aspects of nature is to be conscious and that is the way of worshipping Kami.
Nezu Shrine was established in 1705 in Tokyo and continues to be one of the oldest shrines of the city. Architecture of all Shinto Shrines is not only beautiful but is very inspiring. It adheres to certain norms for being closer to nature. Torii is one such feature of Shinto Shrine. Multiple Torii are present in Nezu Shrine. Literal meaning of the word Torii is the abode of birds, however they mark the entrances of the complex. The design and the proportion of Torii is very much similar to the Torana of Buddhist stupa complexes in India. In Shinto Shrines the upper lintel of Torii is curved; a plaque with the name of the shrine is in the middle of this lintel. One of the most famous features of this shrine is the path marked by many Torii.
Romon or Tower gate is another typical feature of Shinto shrines. The design and character of this gate and also that of other structures of this shrine are very specifically designed.
The similarity of the concept of Kami and that of the presence of God everywhere in the universe by Hindus is very enchanting. The respect and reverence shown by mankind towards nature and towards the creator of this universe is universal. Architecture is the medium of manifestation of the same.
