Listen closely. The story of the \u74dc\u7834\u5929\u795e\u793e begins long ago.
The \u74dc\u7834\u5929\u795e\u793e is located in Hirano Ward of Osaka City. It is a Shinto shrine with a rich history.
Its origins trace back to the Taika era from 645 to 649 AD. A high priest named Funashi Michiteru practiced here. He meditated on the esoteric Buddhist teachings. It is said that an image of a deity appeared before him. The priest offered a West Asian melon to the deity. This act became the origin of the shrine’s name. Initially, it was called the West Palace or the Palace of the Square Eight Towns.
During the Keicho era from 1596 to 1614, the North Palace was merged. This palace enshrined Gozu Tenno. In 1910, Tenmangu and Komatsu Shrine were also combined with the \u74dc\u7834\u5929\u795e\u793e.
The main deities of the \u74dc\u7834\u5929\u795e\u793e are Somin Shōrai, Sugawara no Michizane, and Taira no Shigemori. The shrine also features several auxiliary shrines. These include Inari Shrine and Komatsu Shrine.
Getting here is easy. The \u74dc\u7834\u5929\u795e\u793e is a 15-minute walk from the Subway Tanimachi Line Hirano Station. It is also a short drive from the Hanshin Expressway Matsubara Line.
According to the “Funako Roku” written in 1736, the priest Funashi Michiteru offered a melon to the deity. He then reported this event to the Imperial Court. In return, he received land. This land became the foundation of the \u74dc\u7834\u5929\u795e\u793e.
During the Keicho era, the enshrined Gozu Tenno was merged with the \u74dc\u7834\u5929\u795e\u793e. Later, Tenmangu and Komatsu Shrine were also enshrined together.
Taira no Shigemori received great favor during the Juei era. Minamoto clan warrior Yuasa Shichiro-zaemon Sanehira built a residence here. This occurred after hearing about Shigemori’s passing at Kumanonada. He dedicated a divine seat to appease his spirit.
The current main hall faces east. The \u74dc\u7834\u5929\u795e\u793e faces the old Nakano Kaido road. The autumn festival is held annually on October 17th. The \u74dc\u7834\u5929\u795e\u793e continues to be a place of worship. It is a testament to the enduring traditions of Osaka.