O’o Jinja Shrine

O'o Jinja stands on Mt. O'o within the Usa Jingu grounds and played a key role in a pivotal moment of eighth-century Japanese politics. After the deity Hachiman was transferred to Nara for the consecration of Todaiji Temple, an oracle in 769 at this shrine declared that the imperial throne must remain within the bloodline, blocking the Buddhist monk Dokyo from becoming emperor. The courtier Wake no Kiyomaro delivered the oracle's message to the empress. Hachiman resided at O'o Shrine for 15 years before returning to the main sanctuary. A nearby shrine on the same mountain honors Wake no Kiyomaro for his loyalty.