Why do people circle the Kuzuryu Taisha Shrine nine times? We are here at the Kuzuryu Taisha Shrine in Kyoto. It’s nestled in the Yase district and holds a special place in the hearts of locals. But it’s not your typical shrine visit. This shrine, founded in 1954, is dedicated to Kuzuryu Benzaiten. She’s a goddess of mercy, known for dissolving troubles and offering protection. Here’s where it gets interesting. The shrine is famous for its “Ochidou” prayer ritual. It involves circling the main shrine clockwise nine times while holding onto nine bamboo sticks called “O-chidotsu”. After each loop, you return one stick. Once you’ve completed all nine rounds and returned all the sticks, you offer your final prayers at the front. The number nine is significant. It represents the nine heads of the Kuzuryu, a mythical nine-headed dragon associated with Benzaiten. The nine repetitions are said to amplify your prayers and symbolize warding off misfortune. Even if you’re not participating in the ritual, observing it from a respectful distance offers a glimpse into the unique spiritual practices of this intriguing shrine.
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