“Did you know that the deity enshrined here was once a water distributor?” That’s right. We are standing before the sacred grounds of the \u4e59\u91d1\u5b9d\u6e80\u795e\u793e.
Let’s delve into the history of this venerable Shinto shrine. The \u4e59\u91d1\u5b9d\u6e80\u795e\u793e has a rich tapestry of legends and historical events woven into its very existence.
The main deity of \u4e59\u91d1\u5b9d\u6e80\u795e\u793e is 玉依姫命 or Tamayorihime no Mikoto. Tamayorihime is the younger sister of Toyotama-hime. Toyotama-hime married Hoori no Mikoto and gave birth to Ugayafukiaezu no Mikoto. Tamayorihime later married her sister’s son. She then gave birth to Emperor Jimmu. Jimmu is the first emperor of Japan. Tamayorihime is revered as a divine and sacred woman.
In addition to 玉依姫命, Empress Jingū and Emperor Ojin are enshrined here. Local lore suggests that when Empress Jingu was in 糟屋郡宇美 or Kasuya-gun Umi to give birth to Emperor Ojin, she used water from 宝満山 or Mount Hōman for her産湯 or Ubuyu. Ubuyu is the first bath for a newborn. It is thought that this is the reason why they are enshrined together at the \u4e59\u91d1\u5b9d\u6e80\u795e\u793e.
Back then Tamayorihime was enshrined on top of 宝満山 or Mount Hōman. She became the god of water distribution. She supported the local farmers who cultivated rice fields. That is why she was deeply revered as a guardian deity. The deity 玉依姫命 at \u4e59\u91d1\u5b9d\u6e80\u795e\u793e, is closely connected to water. 玉依姫命 controlled the water and was crucial for the rice farmers in the area. This bond made her an important guardian deity.
The shrine’s history speaks of relocation. In 1595, it was moved from the old palace in Nakamura to an ancient site in the village of Te洗 or Tesen. Later between 1688 and 1704 it was moved to its current location.
Furthermore, the \u4e59\u91d1\u5b9d\u6e80\u795e\u793e has a connection to the 天神の森 or Tenjin no Mori. During an expansion of the road, the 疫神 or Yakushin, which had been located there, was moved to the grounds of the \u4e59\u91d1\u5b9d\u6e80\u795e\u793e.
As we conclude our visit to the \u4e59\u91d1\u5b9d\u6e80\u795e\u793e, consider the layers of history beneath our feet. It is a place where deities, emperors, and local communities intertwine. The \u4e59\u91d1\u5b9d\u6e80\u795e\u793e stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith. It highlights the intimate relationship between humanity and the divine.