Sugawara no Michizane, aka Tenman Tenjin (845-903 CE), was a scholar, poet, and high-level administrator in the Japanese court during the Heian Period. Badly treated and exiled, he would gain a spectacular revenge on his political rivals from beyond the grave when he was deified following a series of disasters thought to be a product of Tenjin's anger. He became the patron god of scholarship and education, and a shrine was built in his honour at Kyoto, the then capital.
More about: Tenjin10 days left
Invest in History Education
By supporting our charity World History Foundation, you're investing in the future of history education. Your donation helps us empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to understand the world around them. Help us start the new year ready to publish more reliable historical information, free for everyone.
$3081 / $10000
Definition
Timeline
-
845 - 903Life of the deified scholar and court official Sugawara no Michizane, aka Tenjin.
-
877Sugawara no Michizane (Tenjin) becomes a professor of Chinese literature.
-
886 - 891Sugawara no Michizane (Tenjin) is the regional governor of Sanuki, Japan.
-
893Sugawara no Michizane (Tenjin) is appointed a court councillor.
-
899Sugawara no Michizane (Tenjin) is made Minister of the Right. The Fujiwara leader Tokihira is made Minister of the Left.
-
901Sugawara no Michizane (Tenjin) is exiled to Dazaifu, Kyushu.
-
903Death in exile of Sugawara no Michizane (Tenjin).
-
947The Tenmangu Kitano shrine is founded in honour of Sugawara no Michizane, aka Tenjin.
-
987Sugawara no Michizane is officially deified and given the title Tenjin.