Shimosha

Shimosha refers to the lower half of a Japanese shrine's main sanctuary, the honden. It is distinguished from the kami-dan, which is the upper part. Typically, the shimosha is where offerings are placed, such as sake, rice, and salt. It often features a small shelf or platform. The shimosha serves as a physical representation of the deity's presence and a focal point for worshippers to present their gratitude and requests. While the kami-dan is considered the dwelling place of the kami, the shimosha is the area of interaction between the divine and the human. The specific design and placement of the shimosha can vary depending on the shrine's tradition and architectural style. It is an integral part of the ritualistic practices conducted within the honden, symbolizing the connection between the sacred and the mundane.