“Why did the local clan request a shrine from 甲斐?” I’ll reveal this tale.
Welcome to 新羅神社 Shinra Jinja a serene spot nestled in Hiroshima. It is near Hiroshima University of Economics. This Shinto shrine has a deep connection to local history and the 武田氏 Takeda clan.
新羅神社 was established in 1200. 武田信宗 Takeda Nobumitsu a guardian of Aki Province requested it. He brought the shrine from 甲斐 Kai Province.
The enshrined deity is 新羅三郎源義光 Shinra Saburo Minamoto no Yoshimitsu. He was a late Heian period samurai. He was also the third son of 源義家 Minamoto no Yoshiie. Yoshimitsu is revered as a master of archery and horsemanship. His skills greatly influenced martial arts.
新羅神社 is also known as 新田八幡 Shinden Hachiman. This highlights its link to Minamoto Yoshimitsu. He served before the 新羅明神 Shinra Myojin at 大津三井寺 Ōtsu Mii-dera temple. There, he celebrated his coming-of-age.
Local lore says Yoshimitsu excelled in martial arts. He was especially skilled in archery. Various schools of archery and horsemanship owe him much. He carried his skills to eastern lands. His descendants grew into powerful clans. These clans included the 武田氏 Takeda 佐竹氏 Satake and 小笠原氏 Ogasawara.
The 安芸武田氏 Aki Takeda clan revered 新羅神社. Takeda Nobumitsu invited the shrine to Aki. This was when he moved to 安芸 Aki.
After the fall of the 銀山城 Kanayama Castle. The 新羅神社 declined. It became a guardian shrine for local people.
As you approach 新羅神社 you will climb 35 stone steps. To your right a sacred tree awaits. It is called 夫婦桧夫 Married Couple Cypress. To your left a natural stone basin offers water for cleansing.
新羅神社 may be small. Yet its history is significant. It connects to samurai clans and martial prowess. Take a moment to appreciate this legacy. Remember the story of 新羅三郎源義光 Minamoto no Yoshimitsu. His spirit still echoes here. The 新羅神社 remains a testament to local heritage.