“Ever heard of a shrine protecting against lightning strikes?” asks a local. That’s exactly what \u96f7\u795e\u5bae\u5929\u6e80\u5bae is known for. We stand before a place steeped in history and local lore.
\u96f7\u795e\u5bae\u5929\u6e80\u5bae is a Shinto shrine dedicated to averting disasters. This includes protection from lightning, electrical mishaps and even communication failures. Its roots stretch back centuries.
Legend says that way back in 931 the shrine was established. At the time, the area was known as Tsakijima. This encompassed the areas of present-day Tsujiki.
Another legend tells of a lightning strike in 1559. Twelve women were saved. A large cypress tree took the hit instead.
In 1581, Asakura Notonokami moved the shrine to its current location. Later in 1707, the shrine was rebuilt by Sakai Utanokami who wished for continued military success. He also hoped to avert local disasters.
It is said that in 1799 prayers were offered for rain during a drought. Records show that rain fell soon after.
The enshrined deity is Honokazuchi no Mikoto. This god is associated with fire and thunder. The shrine is also believed to be associated with Sugawara no Michizane.
\u96f7\u795e\u5bae\u5929\u6e80\u5bae’s divine virtues are numerous. The shrine helps with disaster prevention and rainmaking. It ensures safety related to weather. It is a protector and offers traffic safety. It brings good luck, averts calamities and ensures maritime safety. It provides bountiful harvests and academic success. It grants success in achieving goals and martial prowess. It also ensures household safety and business prosperity.
The shrine’s name has changed over time. It was once known as Raiden-sha or Raiden Myojin. It is believed that a plaque with the name “\u96f7\u795e\u5bae” was hung inside the shrine.
The current main shrine building was erected in 1958. This was thanks to donations gathered from supporters.
Note the three ancient ginkgo trees on these grounds. These trees were designated in 1995 as noteworthy old trees. They are around 500 years old. The trunks measure over four meters in circumference.
Throughout the year, \u96f7\u795e\u5bae\u5929\u6e80\u5bae holds several annual festivals. There is the New Year’s Day festival. There is also the Toshigoi festival in March. There is the Tenno festival in July. There is also the Autumn Grand Festival in October.
\u96f7\u795e\u5bae\u5929\u6e80\u5bae offers blessings for various needs. These include household safety and business prosperity. They also ensure safety during construction work.
Interestingly, this shrine also hosts Shinto wedding ceremonies. A wedding here is steeped in the shrine’s history. The ceremonies are held in the traditional style.
Did you know there is a local custom connected to this shrine? It is said if you visit the shrine at Kaminosuwa or Itamochi, you should not eat “namazu” on the way home. Namazu is catfish.
An interesting story is associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu. It is said that during a thunderstorm, the shogun rushed into the shrine. One of his attendants also hurried in. The shogun recognized the attendant’s loyalty and elevated him to a high rank.
So as we stand here before \u96f7\u795e\u5bae\u5929\u6e80\u5bae let us remember these stories and traditions. Let’s appreciate the rich cultural heritage this place embodies.