“Is that a dog statue?” you might ask, glancing towards the bronze figure. Let me tell you about this special place. We are standing before \u4ec1\u6238\u540d\u6c34\u5929\u5bae a Shinto shrine with a unique story.
\u4ec1\u6238\u540d\u6c34\u5929\u5bae is dedicated to safe childbirth and the healthy growth of children. It is a place where families come to pray for blessings. The shrine’s history stretches back to 1818. Yorinori Arima, lord of the Kurume domain, established it. He brought Kurume Suitengu to his residence in Mita-Akabane.
The people of Edo wanted to worship here. So, the shrine opened its doors to the public. Pregnant women who visited experienced easy childbirth. The shrine’s reputation quickly spread. In 1872, the shrine moved to its current location in Nihonbashi Kakigaracho. Today, the Tokyo Metro even has a “Suitengumae” stop.
The deities enshrined here are significant. They include Amenominakanushi no Okami, Emperor Antoku, Kenreimonin, and Niino-Ama. Amenominakanushi is one of the three ancestral deities.
Notice the bronze dog statue. It’s the mascot of \u4ec1\u6238\u540d\u6c34\u5929\u5bae. Touching it is said to promote the healthy growth of children and assist in child bearing. Many believe it’s good to stroke the zodiac sign of the child to be born.
Behind the dog statue is Hosho Benzaiten. Benzaiten is the god of learning and the arts. During New Year’s, this area bustles. People walk around the “Seven Gods of Good Fortune in Nihonbashi”. This route includes seven shrines in the area.
The shrine was reconstructed in 2016. This renovation commemorated the 200th anniversary of the Edo Jinja. The reconstruction also aimed to provide shelter during earthquakes. The worship hall is modern and clean. It features seismic isolation.
\u4ec1\u6238\u540d\u6c34\u5929\u5bae stands as a testament to faith. It embodies hope for families and children. Remember the blessings it offers as we continue our tour.