noun
shrine of imperial ancestors
Refers to a specific Shinto shrine dedicated to the spirits of past emperors and imperial family members. Primarily used in historical or religious contexts.
皇霊殿は宮中三殿の一つです。
The Kōreiden is one of the Three Palace Sanctuaries.
Compound of 皇 (kō, 'imperial') + 霊 (rei, 'spirit') + 殿 (den, 'hall, palace'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the term is conventionally associated with the imperial ancestor shrine.