Tamaudun epitaph, Royal epitaph at Tamaudun Mausoleum in Naha, Japan
The Tamaudun epitaph is a stone inscription within the outer enclosure of the Tamaudun Mausoleum that documents burial arrangements for King Sho Shin, his mother Ogiyaka, and royal family members. The text provides specific instructions for respecting this royal burial site.
The stone inscription dates to 1501 and marks the establishment of this royal burial site during the reign of King Sho Shin of the Second Sho Dynasty. It represents a turning point in how burial protocols were formally documented in the Ryukyuan kingdom.
The inscription reflects how the Ryukyuan royal family honored their dead and organized burial practices. It blends practical instructions with spiritual beliefs that were central to the kingdom's worldview.
The inscription is located in a protected area that is easily accessible from the main mausoleum building and can be viewed during regular visiting hours. The site is well signposted so visitors can easily find this location.
The inscription includes warnings of divine consequences for those who might disregard the burial instructions. This spiritual dimension reveals how royal authority was reinforced through religious belief in the kingdom.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
