弘法大師御作　誕生水辨財天 Stele

Gazing upon this unassuming stone, could you ever guess the whispers it holds? This, my friends, is the 奉法大師御作　誕生水弁財天 Stele, a silent sentinel guarding tales of life, water, and divine favor. The 奉法大師御作　誕生水弁財天 Stele stands within the Rokushono Jinja Shrine, a place where history and spirituality intertwine. Rokushono Jinja Shrine is dedicated to the spirit of Tsunemoto, a pivotal figure in the early days of the Minamoto clan. He is enshrined here as the deity Rokushono Daimyojin. But today, our focus rests on this stele and the intriguing stories it embodies. The stele marks the site of Tanjōsui Benten Sha, a shrine dedicated to Benten, a deity associated with water, wealth, music, and knowledge. The name, “Tanjōsui,” translates to “birth water,” hinting at a connection to childbirth and new beginnings. This Benten is believed to be the work of the Buddhist priest known as Hōbō Daishi, whose name is inscribed upon the stele. The story goes that the well water used for Benten’s rituals was originally used by Tsunemoto’s son, Tsunesuke, for his childbirth rites. This is why the water became known as Tanjōsui or “birth water”. This water was believed to hold protective powers, especially beneficial for children’s well-being. Today, while the original well may not be accessible, the 奉法大師御作　誕生水弁財天 Stele continues to resonate with the echoes of its past. It stands as a testament to the beliefs and practices surrounding water, birth, and divine protection that were integral to this sacred place. Look closely, and you might just hear the soft murmurings of ancient prayers and the gentle lapping of the sacred waters that once flowed here.