sacred rock where a deity dwells
Shinto term for a large rock or boulder believed to be the dwelling place of a kami. Often found in natural settings or shrine precincts.
In the shrine grounds, there is a large rock that has been revered as an iwakura since ancient times.
Standard kanji spelling for this Shinto term.
Alternate kanji spelling; 岩 is more common for 'rock' but 磐座 is the established form.
Formed from 岩 and the ancient element くら, meaning a seat or place occupied by a deity; 磐座 is the conventional spelling for such a sacred rock.