Love Cursed
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Behind the main hall of Kiyomizu lies the small Jishu Shrine housing the god of marriages. In front of the main hall rest a pair of
stones called Mekura-ishi (blind stones) placed 10 metres apart. It is
said that if a person can walk with their eyes closed in a straight
line from one stone to the other, while chanting his or hers loved one's
name, then that love will be fulfilled in marriage. Jealousy and revenge also play a big part in the shrine's history.
Rebuilt along with Kiyomizu by Tokugawa Iemitsu after fire destroyed the precinct, the shrine still plays an important part in marriage today. The names of those newly married are often displayed in front of the shrine. For those still looking, 'ema' (votive pictures) offer prayers with vows of love. Each plaque is a letter to the god, begging for one's wish to be granted. The god of Jishu is Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, whose story appears in the ancient history of Japan (Kojiki). The story involves a greedy rabbit that gains what it wants by deceiving others. Captured, it is forced to peel off its skin. Okuninushi, a sweet-tempered man at the time, healed the creature and forced the rabbit to mend its ways. Thus there is a giant gold rabbit standing next to a statue of Okuninushi in the grounds of the shrine. Gift shops and self-publicity make Jishu stand out like a sore thumb next to its more regal neighbour. As good as Okuninushi is, so another god called Okage Myojin is indifferent to good and bad, and answers prayers at will, no matter what they might be. Hidden away in one corner stands the severed stump of a once immense tree, dwarfing the tiny shrine that sits next to it. This is Okage's territory, his place of worship where women would come to pray to him. The Japanese cedar in the photo was used in 2 a.m visits (Ushinotoki-mairi) amongst ladies throughout the centuries. Okage is considered especially benevolent towards women and so they would pray to him whilst nailing straw dolls to the side of the tree. These straw dolls were meant to represent rivals or enemies (also usually women) and in praying to Okage it was said a curse would be put upon them. Maybe it is not so strange to find jealousy, hatred and envy in Jishu. After all love can bring out the best and worst in people. |
