noun
pilgrim's hymn; Buddhist pilgrim's song
A traditional hymn sung by Buddhist pilgrims, often during temple visits or religious processions. The term is specific to Japanese Buddhist practice.
巡礼たちは御詠歌を唱えながら山道を歩いた。
The pilgrims walked the mountain path while chanting a pilgrim's hymn.
このお寺では毎朝、ご詠歌の練習会
At this temple, a practice session for pilgrim's hymns is held every morning.
A more general term for pilgrim songs, not limited to Buddhist hymns. 御詠歌 specifically refers to the traditional Buddhist hymns with a set melodic structure.
From 御 (honorific prefix) + 詠歌 (song, poem). The term is deeply rooted in Japanese Buddhist pilgrimage traditions, particularly associated with the Shingon sect.