Perhaps unnoticed amid the vibrant tapestry of Kyoto stands a stone. This is the \u82e5\u5bae\u516b\u5e61\u5bae Stele. Its presence marks a place of historical and spiritual significance.
The \u82e5\u5bae\u516b\u5e61\u5bae Stele stands as a testament to the shrine’s journey through time. Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine was first founded in 1053. Yoriyoshi MINAMOTO established it under Emperor Goreizei’s order. It was initially known as Samegai Hachiman-gu Shrine. It was also called Rokujo Hachiman-gu Shrine.
The Minamoto clan deeply revered the shrine. This followed Yoriyoshi MINAMOTO’s success during the Zenkunen War. Kamakura Imperial Princes and shogun families visited. Yoritomo MINAMOTO visited in 1190 and 1195. He granted the shrine estates and offered treasures. MINAMOTO no Yoshitsune built a residence nearby.
The Ashikaga Shogun family also visited. Takauji ASHIKAGA offered sacred treasures. He recognized the shrine’s fiefdom. Yoshimasa ASHIKAGA dedicated 51 areas of land. The Onin War damaged the buildings. They were rebuilt with donations from warrior households.
Hideyoshi TOYOTOMI relocated Wakamiya Hachiman-gu Shrine in 1583. It moved to Higashiyama. In 1588, it moved north of Hoko-ji Temple. After Hideyoshi’s death, it moved to its current site in 1605. Ieyasu TOKUGAWA granted the shrine an estate in 1615.
The current main sanctuary was built in 1654. Retired Emperor Gomizunoo commissioned it. In 1877, Emperor Chukyo’s spirit was moved from Tsukamoto-sha Shrine. It was enshrined at Wakamiya Hachiman-gu Shrine. The pottery god was enshrined in 1891.
The shrine is also called Toki-jinja. This means Pottery Shrine. In 1949, the pottery god was enshrined here. It is now called Pottery Shrine.
The \u82e5\u5bae\u516b\u5e61\u5bae Stele stands near Gojo. Gojo is south of Gion in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. This area is the heart of the old pottery district. The Kyoto Gojozaka Ceramic Festival is held here in August. Stalls line the street.
The main deity is Hachiman. Hachiman is equated with Emperor Ojin. The shrine also includes his mother Jingu. It includes his father Chuai. There are secondary shrines. One is dedicated to Inari. There is also a Touso Shrine. It enshrines the potter Toushiro.
Visitors pray here for easy delivery. They also ward off evil. Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine continues to be a place of reverence. The \u82e5\u5bae\u516b\u5e61\u5bae Stele marks this. Its story is etched in stone. It connects us to centuries of faith.