0408 Kashii-gu Shrine (Fukuoka Prefecture), where the bravest Empress in Japanese history enshrined her husband, Emperor Chuai
｜Benefits of Kashii-gu Shrine
Financial luck, success in competition, good fortune and rising luck, marital and family harmony, safe childbirth, fertility and blessings with children, child-rearing, prosperity of descendants, physical health and wellness, longevity, increased vitality, warding off evil, protection from misfortune, disaster prevention, mastery of arts, traffic safety, maritime safety, and national peace
360-degree view of Kashii-gu Shrine
｜About Kashii-gu Shrine
｜It began when Empress Jingu built a mausoleum to enshrine the spirit of Emperor Chuai, who passed away in ｜Tsukushi while on his way to conquer the ｜Kumaso, and later, Empress Jingu herself was also enshrined there. It is an exceptional power spot for national peace, warding off evil, marital harmony, long-lasting military success, safe childbirth, and longevity.
Empress Jingu herself enshrined Emperor Chuai in the 9th year of his reign (200 AD), giving the shrine an 1800-year history. It once served as a mausoleum for the Imperial family, and it maintains an exceptionally high status as a Chokusaisha (one of only 16 in the country), which is still visited by an Imperial messenger once every ten years.
Empress Jingu was an incredibly brave empress who, after the death of Emperor Chuai, completed the conquest of the Kumaso, set sail for the Sankan conquest while pregnant, delayed her delivery by placing a stone on her abdomen, gave birth to the child who would become Emperor Ojin after returning home, and subsequently pacified the country.
A magnificent, multi-layered structure of high status.
Her son, Emperor Ojin, was a master archer who excelled in martial arts, winning many battles and laying the foundation for the country's development; he became the deity Hachiman, worshipped at Hachiman shrines across the country.
Ashikaga Takauji prayed for victory here at Kashii-gu when he was rebuilding his forces in Kyushu.
The Heiden and Honden (main hall) are located behind it.
The Honden was built 1300 years ago and reconstructed about 200 years ago in an architectural style called "Kashii-zukuri," which is the only one of its kind in Japan and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
The sacred tree, the "Aya-sugi," is a cedar planted by Empress Jingu after she returned from the Sankan conquest, burying the three treasures of a sword, a spear, and a staff along with a cedar branch, praying for the eternal protection of the country. The leaves of this cedar have been presented to the Imperial Court since ancient times as a symbol of national protection.
Planted by Empress Jingu herself with her prayers, it is 1800 years old.
Because Empress Jingu is worshipped as a deity of safe childbirth, the shrine is known for its miraculous efficacy in granting children and safe delivery, as well as for marital and family harmony.
You can also receive the benefits of long-lasting military success and victory, associated with the martial prowess of Emperor Ojin.
Spiritually speaking, it is said that the spirit of Empress Jingu still watches over the area today. Many people feel a strong sense of vitality and a mysterious presence, especially around the 1800-year-old Aya-sugi tree, and it is a spot where many visitors receive inspiration and messages.
There are three "Tsukinobe-ishi" (stones used by Empress Jingu to delay and cool her labor), which were dedicated toTsukiyomi Shrine in Iki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Tsukiyomi Shrine in Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City, and Chinkaiseki Hachiman Shrine in Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
The ｜Nanatsusaya-no-tachi (Seven-Branched Sword) presented by Baekje after Empress Jingu's Sankan conquest is now considered a National Treasure and a shrine treasure at｜Isonokami Jingu Shrine's "｜Shichishito" in Tenri City, Nara Prefecture.