Sarutahiko Shrine enshrines Sarutahiko Ookami, the God who appears at the beginning of things and guides everything in the right direction. The Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters) and Nihonshoki (Chronicles of Japan) tell us that he "enlightened the first heavenly grandson of the nation to this land." The votive tablet (Ema) depicts the "Michibiki no Mai (Dance of Michibiki)'' unique to the Sarutahiko Shrine, guiding wishes in the right direction.
The shrine has a close relationship with Ise Jingu Shrine. Ota-no-Mikoto, a descendant of Sarutahiko Oomikami, recommended the location upstream on the Isuzu River as the site for the inner shrine of Ise Jingu Shrine. The Ujinotsuchigimi family, direct descendants of Sarutahiko Okami and Ota-no-Mikoto, held a special position at the shrine and played an essential role in the ceremonial relocation of the shrine.
In front of the Goten, where the temple once stood, there is an octagonal stone pillar engraved with directions, and many people make a wish to open the way for them.
Within the shrine's precincts is Sarume Shrine, dedicated to Amenouzume, who is said to have performed Kagura (Shinto music and dance) when Amaterasu hid in the iwaya (rock cave). The deity is revered as the ancestral goddess of kagura (Shinto music and dance), technical arts, and theater. It is visited by people involved in the arts and sports.
Highlights
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If you visit the shrine when starting something, it is said that it will guide you in the right direction.
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An ema (votive tablet) depicting the "Michibiki no Mai" can be dedicated at the shrine.
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There is also the Sarume Shrine, where people can pray to improve their art.