Standing before us is the \u767e\u5ea6\u77f3. It is more than just a stone. The \u767e\u5ea6\u77f3 marks a profound tradition. It is a testament to unwavering faith.
The \u767e\u5ea6\u77f3 serves as the starting point. Devotees begin a sacred ritual here. They repeatedly walk to a temple or shrine. This act is done one hundred times. This pilgrimage is known as “O-Hyakudo”. People also call it “O-Hyakudo Mairi.”
This practice stems from Japanese folk beliefs. People visit the same shrine or temple many times. They do this to pray to the gods. The goal is to have their wishes granted. Many wishes are personal. When the matter is serious, repeated visits show dedication. One visit might not be enough.
Originally, this involved visiting a local shrine daily. This would continue for one hundred days. It was called “Hyaku-nichi-mairi”. Over time, the practice simplified. Urgent prayers led to completing the visits in a single day. A single-day’s hundred visits replaced the hundred-day pilgrimage.
Records suggest that the \u767e\u5ea6\u77f3 practice existed early on. Mentions appear in writings from the late 12th century.
The method of performing O-Hyakudo involves a specific route. Pilgrims start at the shrine or temple entrance. They walk to the main hall. After praying, they return to the entrance. This round trip is repeated one hundred times. This act is known as “to step O-Hyakudo”.
Near the entrance, you will often find the \u767e\u5ea6\u77f3. It marks the starting point. To keep count, people use small stones. They use pebbles or bamboo sticks. Pilgrims prepare one hundred of these items. They leave one at the hall after each round trip. The \u767e\u5ea6\u77f3 often has a special container. This is where people place the counters.
Some believe the practice is more effective if done in secret. Some even do it barefoot.
This \u767e\u5ea6\u77f3 was erected in February 1852. Sixty-seven residents of Nezumigabashi contributed to it. Nezumigabashi is now part of Nishi-Shinjuku. The reasons for its erection remain unclear.
The tradition emphasizes heartfelt prayer. Sincerity is more important than strict adherence. Some people split the hundred visits over several days.
There’s a saying tied to this ritual. “Hyakudo suru to, Sendo de kaesu.” It means “return a thousand times for a hundred visits.” If the wish comes true, people express gratitude. They do this by performing “Sendo-mairi”. They visit the shrine one thousand times.
So, as you stand before this \u767e\u5ea6\u77f3, remember its significance. It represents devotion. It signifies the enduring power of prayer.