Jishu Temple: Cupid of Japan

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History 


Jishu-Jinja Shrine's origins can be found in a period of history that is older than the creation of Japan itself. The site's lesser shrines and the inner shrine are all devoted to deities from the early Shinto religion of Japan.


The vibrantly colored inner shrine is a temple dedicated to the god Okuninushi-no-mikoto and was built in the Nara period's architectural style (about 1300 years ago). The Shogun Lemitsu Tokugawa rebuilt the shrine's current structures in 1633. The main gate to the shrine, the outer shrine, and the inner shrine are all recognized as Important Cultural Properties and World Heritage Sites, respectively.



A visit to the temple


Koiuranai-no-ishi (love fortune stones) - The renowned Koiuranai-no-ishi may be located on the pathway in front of the inner shrine (love fortune stones). The stones, which are roughly 10 meters apart and stand at knee height, are claimed to grant wishes for love to anyone who can walk between them while keeping their eyes closed. Today, tourists from all over the world visit the stones since they are so well-known throughout Japan. The stones were recently discovered to be from the prehistoric Jomon age, and it is believed that their original function was to entice gods to the shrine. It was anticipated that gods would be lured to the stones and stay with them during each matsuri (festival).


At the Temizusho (The hand water pool) - You should fill a ladle with water at the Temizusho (the hand water pool) before pouring it on one hand, then the other. To wet your mouth, get some water from your hand. The goal is to purify yourself and win the gods' favor before paying a visit to the temple.


In the front of the inner temple - Take the red and white rope from the front of the inner shrine and ring the bell. Clap your hands twice, then do two head-bobbing motions. Make your wish while keeping your hands clasped together. Finally, make another bow. (If you are able, please put a charitable offering in the locked box by the shrine. This can be done before the bell is rung.)



Several auxiliary shrines - There are other smaller, auxiliary shrines located inside the shrine's limits. One of these is a temple to Nadedaikoku, where a different desire may come true depending on whatever portion of the statue you stroke.

One wish is permitted at the nearby shrine of Okage Myojin. Kurimitsuinarisha is a place where people can make wishes for happiness in their personal and professional lives.

There are a number of additional tiny shrines that each represent a different god that can be located at Jishu-Jinja Shrine.


Picture Tablets - Ema are picture tablets that may be seen at Japanese shrines. They are used as a form of prayer and feature messages and dedications to the gods. Many little boards with images of Okuninushi-no-mikoto and a rabbit may be found hanging from the rails inside Jishu-Jinja Shrine; these are Ema. Visitors to the shrine are welcome to write their desires on the wooden tablets, which serve as letters to the gods.



The statue of Okuninushi-no-mikoto - The oldest known collection of Japanese tales, the Kojiki, makes reference to a god named Okuninushi-no-mikoto. He is highly renowned as an object of belief and is famed for his benevolence. He helps the hurt Hare of Inaba in one of the most well-known myths connected to Okuninushi-no-mikoto. Because of this, a devoted rabbit god is stationed next to his statue.


On the way out


Check out the list of names on the notice board in front of the shrine as you leave. These names are those of thankful newlywed couples who visited the shrine to express their appreciation. There are a lot of names of foreigners on this board as well.



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Source: 
https://www.jishujinja.or.jp/english/

https://en.japantravel.com/kyoto/cupid-of-japan-kyoto-jishu-shrine/14550