Until
this point, we have mentioned the Outer Shrine from time to time without
getting down to the really basic problem: why are there two shrines as
one at Ise, and what is the relationship between the two? Here you see
a comparison of the layout of the two shrines, with the Outer Shrine on
the right; in general, they are very similar, although close inspection
will reveal numerous small differences in the approach, in the placement
of the buildings, and in the proportions of the plan. Such differences
are not easy to explain, and suggest simply that each shrine, while working
within an identical tradition, has its own identity. The key to the difference
lies in the fact that the two shrines worship different gods: while the
Inner Shrine is dedicated to the sun goddess, the Outer Shrine belongs
to a god of the harvest known as Toyouke.