What Is a Shrine?

Gate at Shimogamo Shrine, Kyoto, Japan.

A shrine is a sacred space set aside for religious contemplation, commemoration, or ceremonies.

Shrines are found in most, though not all, religions. As distinguished from a temple, a shrine usually houses a particular relic or cult image, which is the object of worship or veneration, or is constructed to set apart a site which is thought to be particularly holy, as opposed to being placed for the convenience of worshippers. Shrines therefore attract the practice of pilgrimage.

When a shrine contains a space for offerings, it is known as an altar.