抄録
As a sacred site, Kumano Shrine has attracted many pilgrims since ancient times. The unique characteristics of the shrine in its medieval stage have been described as: (1) it was a pilgrimage destination for commoners and the handicapped, which was enabled by the mutual support philosophy that existed there; (2) women were not prohibited; and (3) a philosophy that accepted pilgrims regardless of any pollution. Among these, it is believed that (3) came about due to friction between shrine ascetics who demanded ritual purity and nenbutsu practitioners who did not reject impurity.
