“What seeds of fortune does this stele hold?” I often wonder as I stand before the \u7a2e\u8cb8\u793e Stele. It is a monument to agriculture and prosperity. This stele is not just stone. It embodies hopes for success.
The \u7a2e\u8cb8\u793e Stele stands within Sumiyoshi Taisha. This shrine has watched over Osaka Bay for nearly 2,000 years. It was founded by Empress-regent Jingu in the third century. She honored sea gods and her own spirit there. People affectionately call the shrine “Sumiyossan”.
Tanekashi-sha is closely linked to the \u7a2e\u8cb8\u793e Stele. Tanekashi-sha is the first stop in the Hattatsu Mairi. This is a prosperity rite. The shrine is associated with starting a successful business. It focuses on the investment and effort required.
Here at Tanekashi-sha, Uka no Mitama no Mikoto is enshrined. This deity is a form of Inari. Inari is the Shinto god of grain and agriculture. Tane means “seed”. The shrine is popular with people seeking children.
Visitors can participate in the Minori Mairi rite. They can buy a sacred rice seed. Later, this seed can be exchanged for a rice stalk. This happens at the next shrine. The exchange symbolizes growth and fruition.
At Nankun-sha, visitors can exchange the rice seed for a stalk. This stalk can be exchanged again. This happens at u014ctoshi-sha. These exchanges represent dedication needed to run a business.
\u014ctoshi-sha is the last stop in the Hattatsu Mairi. It is associated with the rewards of hard work. Visitors exchange the rice stalk for a bag of white rice. Eating this rice on the same day brings spiritual benefits.
There is a unique connection between Sumiyoshi Taisha and the folk tale of “Issun-boshi”. Issun-boshi means “one-inch boy”. This tale says that Issun-boshi received life from Sumiyoshi Daisha. You can see Issun-boshi at the hand-washing station. Legend says that a childless couple prayed for a child. They prayed to the gods here.
Feel the stone. Its cool surface is worn smooth. Many hands have sought blessings here. May the \u7a2e\u8cb8\u793e Stele remind you of the seeds you sow. May they grow into a prosperous future.