“Water flowing down a cliff.” That is the poetic meaning behind “Tarumi” the name of Tarumi Shrine. The Tarumi Shrine stands here in Suita City. It has been a place of worship for centuries.
The shrine’s history is deeply connected to water. The grounds are located at the southern end of Senri Hills. Spring water flows from these hills. Tarumi the god enshrined here has been worshipped as the god of water since ancient times.
During Emperor Kotoku’s reign Toyoki Irihiko no Mikoto played a vital role. He was a descendant of Toyoki Irihiko no Mikoto. He built a gutter at Toyosaki Shrine. This shrine was suffering from drought. He brought water from this area to the Toyosaki Shrine. In recognition he was given the surname “Tarumi no Kimi”. This marked the founding of the Tarumi Shrine.
The deity enshrined at Tarumi Shrine is Toyoki Irihiko no Mikoto. He is revered as the main deity. Also enshrined are O己貴命 and 少彦名命. “Tarumi” itself is an old word for a waterfall. North of the shrine Tarumi-ga-taki’s water flows from Senri Hills. Originally this waterfall was considered the sacred body. People worshipped the god of water here.
The Tarumi Shrine is mentioned in old texts. In “Shoku Nihongi” it is written that in 841 AD the shrine received the rank of Junior Fifth Rank Lower. The Tarumi Shrine was also known as a rainmaking shrine. Along with Kyoto’s Kifune Shrine Osaka’s Sumiyoshi Taisha it received offerings from the Imperial Court.
The shrine is also listed in the Engishiki. It is mentioned in the section for rain prayers. The entry reads “Tarumi Shrine one seat”. It was included in the 85 shrines for rain prayers.
Later the area became Tarumi no sho and Tarumi no makuri. It became land owned by powerful families. These families included Todai-ji Temple Kasuga Taisha and the Konoe family.
The main hall was rebuilt in 1683. This was thanks to the efforts of parishioners and worshippers. Documents exchanged between parishioners and the builders still exist.
The stone lanterns at the north end of the path were built in 1764. The komainu in front of the worship hall were donated in 1802. Yoshino Goun a merchant from Osaka donated them.
In the early 19th century a hanging scroll of “Tarumi Daimyojin” was donated. It came from Kyoto’s Monzeki Temple Hochi-ji. This scroll was used to create two-sided plaques.
During the Meiji period the shrine was designated as a village shrine. After Shrine Unification Policy the adjacent Byeolungjeong Temple was abolished. Instead an不動明王社 enshrining Fudo Myoo was built. Even now goma fire rituals are performed.
In 1974 the old shrine buildings were rebuilt. The main hall and worship hall were reconstructed. A ceremony was held to celebrate the new shrine. Since then the grounds have been improved. Sub-shrines have been built and fences have been added.
In 2011 a real estate developer planned to build a condominium. It would overlook the main hall. Parishioners formed “The Association to Protect Tarumi’s Forest”. They launched a campaign to oppose the development. They gathered over 13000 signatures and donations. After three years the shrine bought the forest from the developer. This ensured the forest’s preservation.
The Tarumi Shrine holds major festivals. The spring festival is on May 21st. The autumn festival is on October 21st. On the preceding day the Mirei Festival and Saigu Festival are held. During the spring festival there are taiko drums and children’s mikoshi parades.
Traces of Yayoi period dwellings have been found on the grounds. Pit dwellings pillar dwellings and burial pits have been discovered. These finds indicate a typical settlement.
The Tarumi Shrine is believed to bring blessings. These include healing from illness safe childbirth and protection from evil. Tarumi Shrine protects and heals. It has done so for many years. It will continue to do so for many years to come.