The Oku-no-in is the actual burial place of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Seen at right and below (from two different perspectives) is the reliquary pagoda in which Ieyasu�s remains are found. Ieyasu�s remains were brought to Nikko nearly one year after his death in April of 1616. Ieyasu�s exacting specifications on his burial helped portay an important image; Ieyasu wanted to be worshipped as a god and revered by his entire nation. All of Ieyasu�s preparations were consistent with his character for he had established the foundations of the Edo-period feudal system. Nikko�s religious architectural scheme hints at a political agenda that complements Ieyasu�s unfettered rationalism. |
