Overview
Hachiman Daijingu Shrine has long been an important part of the local community in Osaka. The shrine enshrines Hachiman Daijin, Kasuga Daijin, and Ebisu Daijin.
The shrine is known for its mysterious history and legends of miraculous events, particularly the story behind its name, “Yakezu-no-Miya.”
History
Origins of the Shrine
The establishment of a shrine at this location is traditionally said to date back to the reign of Emperor Tenji (661–671). According to tradition, members of the Fujiwara clan initially enshrined Kasuga Daijin as the local guardian deity.
Why It Became Known as the “Unburned Shrine”
During the Kenmu and Engen eras (1334–1339), the monk Jitsuson Seia of the Yūzū Nenbutsu school received a painting of Amida Buddha and the two attendants, known as Tenpitsu Nyorai, from Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine. He planned to establish a temple in Kawachi Province.
However, fellow monks who were jealous of Jitsuson’s plans attacked him and set fire to Hachiman Daijingu Shrine. According to the legend, the fire was quickly extinguished. At the same time, Tenpitsu Nyorai is said to have emitted a radiant light, accompanied by a voice declaring that Jitsuson was an incarnation of Kannon Bodhisattva.
Moved by this event, the attackers repented and became followers of Jitsuson. This miraculous episode is said to have led to the shrine becoming known as Yakezu-no-Miya, the “Unburned Shrine.”
Connection with Raikoji Temple
In 1347, Jitsuson established Raikoji Temple, the head temple of the Yūzū Nenbutsu school, in Matta District of Kawachi Province. He also invited Hachiman Daijin to be enshrined at Hachiman Daijingu.
From that time, Hachiman Daijingu was regarded as a subordinate temple of Raikoji and was also referred to as Fushoji Temple. A tradition continues today in which the chief priest of Raikoji visits Hachiman Daijingu whenever a new chief priest takes office.
The Curse of the Hyogo Clan and Jitsuson’s Prayers
In 1350, a man known as Hyogo, who had been causing disturbances at temples and shrines in the surrounding area, died together with members of his family during an epidemic. According to tradition, the spirits of the deceased subsequently began to afflict the villagers.
The villagers sought Jitsuson’s help. He performed a seven-day and seven-night Segaki ritual to appease the spirits and drive away the epidemic.
In gratitude for this act, Hachiman Daijin was established as the principal deity, and the shrine came to be known as Hachiman Shrine.
History from the Edo Period Onward
In 1706, the chief priest of Raikoji was summoned by the shogunate, and detailed records concerning Yakezu-no-Miya were compiled.
During the Meiji period, Hachiman Daijingu was officially designated as a village shrine under the shrine-ranking system of the time.
Enshrined Deities
Hachiman Daijin — A collective name for Hondawake-no-Mikoto, Hime-no-Okami, and Okinaga Tarashihime-no-Mikoto.
Kasuga Daijin — A collective name for Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto, Futsunushi-no-Mikoto, Ame-no-Koyane-no-Mikoto, and Hime-no-Kami.
Ebisu Daijin
Facilities within the Shrine Grounds
Main Shrine (Honden)
Worship Hall (Haiden)
Fusho Inari Shrine — Dedicated to Inari, the deity associated with rice, agriculture, and prosperity.
Portable Shrine Storage Building
Shrine Office
Monument to Matsuno Oto Kichimatsu — A monument dedicated to Kichimatsu, a former sumo wrestler who reached the rank of ōzeki and was born in Shimizu 3-chome.
Auxiliary Shrine Outside the Main Grounds
A tabisho, or temporary resting place for the portable shrine during festivals, is located to the southeast of Hachiman Daijingu.
Annual Festivals and Events
March 20: Inari Festival
September 15: Annual Grand Festival. The summer festival is held on the second Sunday of September.
Location and Access
Address: 3-20-19 Shimizu, Asahi Ward, Osaka City, Osaka, Japan
The shrine is within walking distance of Shimizu Station on the Osaka Metro Imazato Line.
It can also be reached from Senbayashi Station and Takii Station on the Keihan Main Line.