“Why Shakushi?” I am often asked. Here stands the Shakushi Inari Shrine. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith. This small shrine is nestled in Setagaya. It holds a history far grander than its modest size suggests.
Let me tell you about the Shakushi Inari Shrine. Its story begins in the Muromachi period. Then,吉良治部大輔治家, Yoshira Jibudaibu Okajiie flourished in the Kanto region. He built a castle in Setagaya. To protect its northeast, he invited伏見稲荷, Fushimi Inari to this very location. He enshrined and deeply revered it.
However, the 吉良氏, Kira clan met its end. The shrine fell into decline. Years later, residents of 松原宿, Matsubara-shuku rebuilt it. They continued to worship here.
Now about that name. The name “Shakushi” is quite unique. Legend says a wet nurse prayed here daily. She held a wooden rice scoop for 吉良氏, Kira clan’s sick child. She fervently prayed to the deity. She wished for the child’s recovery. People began calling the deity “Shakushi-sama”. “Shakushi Inari-sama” became its popular name.
But why a rice scoop? The shrine’s history explains it. Holding a rice scoop symbolizes salvation. It wards off diseases and disasters. It brings fortune, longevity, and prosperity.
The Shakushi Inari Shrine’s main festival falls on October 17th. Though small, the festival is cherished. Locals offer reverence and strengthen community bonds.
Interestingly, the shrine is also linked to children’s coughs. In the past, parents brought children with whooping cough here. They fed them rice at the shrine. This custom reflects a belief in a cough deity. The deity was known as “Oshakushi-sama.”
The name “Shakushi” has evolved over time. It originated from a stone deity. Through linguistic twists, 石神, “stone deity” became cough deity.
So, as you stand before Shakushi Inari Shrine, remember its layers. Remember its history. Think of the wet nurse’s prayers. Consider the community’s devotion. This small shrine embodies deep faith. It reflects the enduring spirit of the people of Setagaya.