Suitengu Shrine and Its Deities — Emperor Antoku and the Gods of Water
Suitengu Shrine is dedicated to four deities: Amenominakanushi-no-Kami (the primordial deity of the universe), Mizuhanome-no-Kami (goddess of water), Emperor Antoku (the child emperor who drowned at the Battle of Dan-no-ura), and Kenreimonin (his mother). The head shrine is Suitengu in Kurume, Fukuoka, but the most famous is Suitengu Shrine in Nihonbashi, Tokyo.
The shrine is celebrated nationwide for blessings of safe childbirth, matchmaking, protection from water, and good fortune — particularly the tradition of visiting on the Day of the Dog (Inu-no-hi) for safe pregnancy prayers.
The Tragedy of Emperor Antoku
Emperor Antoku was born as the grandson of Taira no Kiyomori and ascended the throne at age 2. In 1185, at the Battle of Dan-no-ura, as the Minamoto forces closed in, his grandmother held him and whispered “There is a capital beneath the waves too” before plunging into the sea. He was only 8 years old.
Good fortune, new beginnings
Drowning prevention, sea safety
Safe childbirth, child protection
The Day of the Dog (Inu-no-hi)
The tradition of praying for safe childbirth on the Day of the Dog comes from the dog’s reputation for having many healthy puppies. This day occurs 2-3 times a month, and pregnant women and their families line up — sometimes from before dawn — at Suitengu Shrine in Nihonbashi to receive the sacred iwata-obi (maternity sash).
•
Direct access via Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line “Suitengumae” station
•
Iwata-obi (maternity sash) is the iconic talisman — traditionally received at the fifth month of pregnancy on a Dog Day
•
Hakusan Jinja in Bunkyo makes a popular pairing for matchmaking prayers
•
Taga Taisha in Shiga shares the safe childbirth and marriage traditions
•
Annual visitors to the Tokyo shrine exceed 1 million