
Otoshi Jinja Shrine
shrine
大歳神社
Otoshi Jinja Shrine is said to have been founded in 718, while the current Honden (Main Sanctuary) dates to 1690.
Otoshi Jinja Shrine in Kyoto claims a founding date of 718, with its current main sanctuary built in 1690. The three deities here include Otoshi no Okami, associated with time, agriculture, and protection from misfortune, and Toyotamahime, a sea deity's daughter believed to be the paternal grandmother of Emperor Jinmu. The shrine grounds have long been called Kaya no Mori, or Forest of Kaya Trees, after the coniferous nutmeg-yew trees that once covered the area. Their seeds were pressed for lamp oil in earlier centuries. Several mature kaya trees remain, and saplings have been planted to restore the original canopy. An annual autumn festival includes a Noh performance dedicated by the head of the Kongo school.
Purify your hands at the temizuya before approaching the main hall. Left hand first, then right, then pour water into your left hand to rinse your mouth.
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