The Shrine of the God Who Calms Illness Murasakino Imamiya Shrine

As a deity who calms epidemics, it still resides in this land.
And even now, it is a shrine with a long history that continues to draw deep devotion from the people.

Is it this Imamiya Shrine?

Standing before this shrine, what struck me most was the weight of its history. It is not merely a matter of having endured the passage of time. Throughout is long history, this shrine continues to command deep devotion from the people and to protect them.

When I let my thoughts wander like this, I cannot help but feel the profound importance of prayer to a sublime being far beyond human understanding. Prayer is a testament to one’s humility. It is acknowledging the limits of one’s own strength and humbly surrendering oneself to a higher power. I don’t think it’s merely empty wishful thinking.

The main hall

Deities enshrined
Onamuchi-no-Mikoto
Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto
Kushinadahime-no-Mikoto

It was in 994 (Shoryaku 5). That year, a plague swept through the capital, claiming the lives of many. Concerned by this, Emperor Ichijo enshrined the epidemic deity atop of Funaoka Mountain and held Goryo-e memorial service, praying for the plague to subside. Then, in the third year of Choho (1001), a new shrine dedicated to the three deities was constructed on the present site, and the Goryo-e memorial service was held once more. The name of Imamiya originates from this new shrine.

By the way, Goryo-e memorial service is…

It refers to a ritual performed to appease the “spirits” (epidemic deities or vengeful spirits of those who fell from political power and died) believed to be the cause of epidemics and disasters.

This is a temporary measure to appease the spirits’ hearts by offering sacred food at the altar, thereby facilitating their relocation from the heart of the capital to the outskirts.In the Heian period, when medical technology was underdeveloped, people grasped the cause of epidemics in this way and prayed for their retreat.

Well, perhaps because it was a holiday, there were a few visitors scattered about the temple grounds. Several foreign tourists accompanied by a guide. Families with children. Children smiling, well-behaved, quiet, and cheerful. The perfect balance of tranquility created by the temple grounds and the people. That scene felt somehow incredibly soothing.

Oh, right. Come to think of it, there were two aburi mochi shops just past the gate of Imamiya Shrine.
They were “Kazariya” and “Ichimonjiya Wasuke.”

Aburi mochi is a delicacy made by skewering small pieces of mochi onto bamboo sticks, grilling them, and generously coating them with a sweet white miso-based sauce.

Per serving: 600-yen (tax included). Takeout (tax included): Three servings: 1,800-yen. Four servings: 2,400-yen. Five servings: 3,000-yen.

Receiving leftover rice cakes offered at Imamiya Shrine is said to be an auspicious item that grants the blessing of good health and protection from illness. I had it very deliciously. I’d be delighted if I could receive that blessing of good health and protection from illness.
I pray that this troublesome illness, which is beyond troublesome, will somehow improve someday. For I can do nothing about it on my own anymore.
Honestly, it really hits home. No matter how hard I try, I’m powerless against my own helpless existence.

That is precisely why I cast aside my own pride and devote myself solely to prayer.

Ah, life has tears. Ah, life has pain. Still, there is no choice but to live on.
Offering prayers and casting oneself upon fate, praying for health and safety, there is no choice but to live humbly in the present.

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Author

じゅうべい(Jubei)
Hello everyone. I am Jubei, an earthling whose energy does not stop today. What I like is playing (manga, movies, music (J-Rock, etc.) and visiting cafes). Thank you for your understanding.