enshrined deity of a subordinate shrine
A deity enshrined in a branch or subordinate shrine, often one that has been divided from a main shrine's deity.
In this small shrine, a branch deity divided from the main shrine is enshrined.
Standard kanji spelling for this term.
Alternate kanji spelling using 裔 (descendant), less common.
Compound of 枝 (branch) and 神 (deity). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term likely arose in the context of Shinto shrine networks where a main shrine's deity is shared with branch shrines.