Did the farmers in old Hiroshima ever imagine a deity would protect their crops from locusts? Here at the Susa Shrine, the answer seems clear. This shrine, known locally as the Susa Jinja, seems unassuming at first. But its history tells a compelling tale. This shrine honors Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Ookuninushi-no-Mikoto. These are powerful deities associated with agriculture and good fortune.
The story of the shrine intertwines with a curious legend. It’s said that during the Edo period, a plague of locusts threatened to devour the local harvest. The farmers, desperate, prayed fervently at the shrine for relief. Miraculously, a swarm of sparrows descended upon the fields, devouring the locusts and saving the crops. From that day forward, Susa Shrine became associated with protection from natural disasters and unexpected blessings. It’s a testament to the enduring faith of the people, even in the face of hardship, and a reminder of the interconnectedness of nature and spirituality.