(Translated by Google) [About the history and faith of Tsukaguchi Shrine (very long and detailed)]
"The deity and official name"
Tsukaguchi Shrine is a shrine that enshrines Susanoo-no-Mikoto as its main deity. It also enshrines Ebisu-no-Okami, the deity of prosperous business and abundant catches, and Kushinadahime-no-Okami, the wife of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, who is closely related to agriculture and matchmaking. In the past, the shrine was named "Tsukaguchi Susanoo-no-Okami" after the deity, and was familiar to the locals as Gozu Tenno-sha. It was moved to its current location in 1886, at which point the name was changed to the current "Tsukaguchi Shrine."
"The origins and history of the shrine"
The date of its founding is unclear, but according to legend, it was first enshrined as the guardian deity of the land during the Tenpyo period (729-749) in the Nara period when the famous monk Gyoki Bodhisattva made a pilgrimage to the area. For 1,250 years since then, it has been worshiped as the guardian deity of Tsukaguchi. Since the Middle Ages, the enshrined deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto has been syncretized with Gozu Tenno in reference to Kyoto's Gion Shrine, and Tsukaguchi Shrine was once revered as a deity that wards off epidemics as the "Gozu Tenno Shrine." In fact, until around the Edo period, the Tenno Festival was held at Gion Shrines all over the country, and it is believed that the shrine was renamed to its current name and form of festival in the Meiji period following the separation of Shinto and Buddhism. There are no detailed records of the relocation during the Meiji period, but it is possible that it was due to the deterioration of the shrine building and the development of the area.
The Edo period geography book "Setsuyo Gundan" states that "Gozu Tenno Shrine is located in Tsukaguchi Village, Kawabe County, and is the same as Rakuyo Gion Shrine," and records that this shrine, like Kyoto Gion Shrine (Yasaka Shrine), enshrines Gozu Tenno = Susanoo no Mikoto. For generations, local people have devoutly worshiped Susanoo no Mikoto as a guardian deity who protects them from disasters.
The legend of Gyoki and "Gyoki-san's fish": One interesting legend surrounding the shrine's founding is about Gyoki and a fish called "Gyoki-san." While on a pilgrimage, Gyoki came across a fisherman trying to grill a strange fish he had caught in the Koyagawa River that flows near the shrine. Feeling sorry for the fish, Gyoki bought the fish that was about to be grilled and released it into the water. The fish immediately came back to life and swam away, to the amazement of the people. Since then, the crucian carp-like fish that live in this river have been called "Gyoki-san," and it is said that the custom of catching them but releasing them into the river without eating them continued until the early Showa period. This legend is a symbol of Gyoki's compassionate teachings that have been passed down in the region, and tells us that Tsukaguchi Shrine has been a spiritual anchor for the people since ancient times.
"The role of the guardian deity of the region and the meaning of faith"
As the local deity, Tsukaguchi Shrine has played the role of watching over and protecting the lives of the local residents. In mythology, Susanoo-no-Mikoto is a brave and courageous god who defeated the Yamata no Orochi (Yamata no Orochi) and saved Princess Inada, and is also known for the anecdote of his happy marriage to Princess Inada (Kushinadahime) afterwards. In connection with this myth, Susanoo-no-Mikoto is revered as a god who wards off misfortune and disasters, and also for his divine virtues of marital harmony and matchmaking. In fact, Tsukaguchi Shrine is said to have a wide range of benefits, including protection from disasters such as "protection from misfortune," "protection from illness," "protection from water," and "protection from fire," as well as bountiful harvests, academic advancement, matchmaking, and good fortune. This comes from Susanoo's power to exorcise evil and bring good fortune, and local people have entrusted all kinds of wishes, from daily health and safety to business prosperity and academic success, to this shrine, which is the guardian deity.
The secondary deity, Ebisu Okami, is also one of the Seven Lucky Gods and is worshiped by merchants, industrialists, and fishermen as a god of business prosperity and abundant catches. Tsukaguchi does not face the sea, but Ebisu faith has been popular in Amagasaki, which was also a merchant town, since ancient times, and by enshrining Ebisu Okami at this shrine, prayers for prosperous business and a rich life are included. Kushinadahime Okami is a goddess who married after being saved by Susanoo, and because of this auspicious origin, she is worshiped as a symbol of good relationships, marital harmony, and agricultural prosperity. By enshrining these multiple gods together, Tsukaguchi Shrine has the significance of being a comprehensive shrine that protects the lives of local residents in general.
In particular, in terms of warding off epidemics, following the tradition of worship as Gozu Tenno Shrine before the Meiji era, the shrine is strongly imbued with the desire to ward off evil epidemics. There are records of parishioners praying together at the shrine during epidemics in the Edo period to prevent epidemics from entering the village (according to oral tradition in the Amagasaki area). Even in modern times, many parishioners pray to the shrine as their tutelary deity during new infectious disease outbreaks, and it has become a place of security for the local community.
"Major annual festivals and events"
Various religious ceremonies and festivals are held at Tsukaguchi Shrine throughout the year, and are handed down as traditional events in the region. The autumn festival (commonly known as the Autumn Festival) is the most grand event, held every year on the weekend including October 18th (if October 18th falls on a weekday, it is brought forward to the Sunday immediately preceding it). The Yoimiya Festival is usually held on the night of October 17th. At around 9pm, the danjiri (floats) from each neighborhood enter the shrine grounds and parade around the shrine accompanied by the music of taiko drums and flutes. At the main shrine (the day of the festival) the following day, a Shinto ritual is held from 10am, after which the danjiri parade through the shrine's local community. The sight of the danjiri and futon drums from each neighborhood parading through the town accompanied by spirited chants is a spectacular sight, and the roads are bustling with spectators. The parishioners pull ropes in white robes and happi coats, and the whole town dedicates a float instead of a portable shrine, giving a sense of the tradition and unity that lives in Tsukaguchi.
A scene from the Tsukaguchi Shrine Autumn Festival (a parade of danjiri and futon drums from each neighborhood). This is a seasonal autumn event in Tsukaguchi, where the local residents come together and get excited.
During the festival, many stalls are set up in and around the shrine grounds, creating a festive atmosphere. The youth and women's associations of the shrine's parishioners also cooperate in the operation, making it a place for local interaction. In addition, an autumn festival fair is held in Tsukaguchi Shopping Street in conjunction with the festival, and events are planned for children to enjoy at the food stalls and game corner. Through these festivals, Tsukaguchi Shrine also plays a role as the center of the local community.
In addition to this autumn festival, there are several other religious ceremonies throughout the year. Many local residents come to worship at the first New Year's festival (Saitansai) and the first shrine visit on New Year's Day, praying for safety and prosperity in the year. The Setsubun Festival is held on Setsubun in February, and a lively bean-throwing ceremony is held by priests and the oldest man and woman (in recent years, bags of lucky beans have also been awarded). In the spring, the Toshigoi Festival is held in late February to pray for a good harvest for the year. In the past, when there were still many fields in the surrounding area, the Otaematsuri (rice planting festival) was held in May to pray for a good rice harvest, and the ritual of planting seedlings was performed within the shrine grounds. At the end of June, the Nagoshi-no-Oharae (summer purification ceremony) is held, where people pass through a straw ring to purify themselves of the impurities of the past six months and pray for a safe summer. At the Niiname-sai (New Year's purification ceremony) in late November, people give thanks for the autumn harvest, and at the end of December, they prepare to welcome the New Year by purifying themselves of the sins and impurities of the past year. In addition, in mid-November, the peak of Shichi-Go-San (festival of the Seven-Five-Three Festival) is reached, and the grounds are filled with a peaceful atmosphere with families and children in cute formal attire. Through these annual events, Tsukaguchi Shrine accepts the prayers of local people at the turning points of each season and supports their lives. "Characteristics and highlights of the shrine and grounds"
The stone torii gate of Tsukaguchi Shrine. Pairs of stone lanterns line the side of the approach, and in spring, about 10 cherry blossom trees form an arch to welcome worshippers. Although it is in an urban area close to JR and Hankyu stations, a quiet atmosphere fills the air as soon as you step inside the shrine grounds. As you pass through the stone torii gate in front and walk along the gravel approach, stone lanterns are lined up neatly on both sides, creating a sacred atmosphere. In cherry blossom season, the cherry blossom trees on the approach become a tunnel of flowers, creating a very gorgeous scene. The grounds are not very large, but the trees are moderately thick, and you can hear the babbling of the stream flowing next to it, making it a comfortable space. Located in a residential area, it is also a place of relaxation for the local community, and many locals can be seen visiting the shrine during their morning and evening walks.
The worship hall of Tsukaguchi Shrine. The current shrine building, with its copper roof (green-blue color) and chidorihafu and karahafu, was newly built in 1973. A large shimenawa with the god's crest is hung in front of the building, and two lion-dog statues are enshrined on both sides. The current shrine building, consisting of the main hall, worship hall, and offering hall, was rebuilt in 1973 with modern materials, but it incorporates traditional designs such as chigi (roof fork pillars), katsuogi (wooden pieces on the roof), chidorihafu, and karahafu, giving it the dignity of shrine architecture. The roof is covered with shining green-blue copper sheets, and the entire shrine building has a simple yet dignified appearance.
The old main hall before reconstruction was built in the Edo period, and the inscription on the ridge tile (roof ridge tile) from 1705 indicates that it existed in the early 18th century. Currently, the old main building has been relocated and remains as an Inari shrine within the precincts to the right of the main building, so you can see the building from the past. Some stone structures from the old main building remain within the precincts, such as a lion-dog statue dedicated in 1790 and a stone lantern built in 1836. These historical relics are proof that Tsukaguchi Shrine has attracted the faith of the local community for many years.
In addition to the Inari shrine mentioned above, there are Gosha Shrine and Tejikarao Shrine as precincts (sub-shrines). As the name suggests, Gosha Shrine is a shrine that enshrines five gods, and when you look inside, you can see the nameplates of Ugahime-no-Okami, Toyoukehime-no-Okami, Sugawara no Michizane, and Kagutsuchi-no-Okami, and it seems that the gods of Inari, food, learning, and fire prevention are enshrined. It is believed to have been formed by integrating nearby smaller shrines during the Meiji period, and is believed to be a shrine that brings five blessings. Tejikarao Shrine is dedicated to Ame-no-Tajikarao-no-Mikoto, known from the Ama-no-Iwato myth, and is revered as a god of strength and good fortune. There is no plaque bearing the name of the shrine on the grounds, so it is difficult to tell at first glance, but according to the explanation on the history board, the gods enshrined here are as follows:
(Original)
【塚口神社の歴史と信仰について(超長文・詳細)】
「御祭神と正式名称」
塚口神社(つかぐちじんじゃ)は、主祭神に須佐之男命(すさのおのみこと)をお祀りする神社です。配祀神として商売繁盛や豊漁の神である恵比須大神(えびすのおおかみ)と、須佐之男命の妻で農耕・縁結びにゆかりの深い櫛名田姫大神(くしなだひめのおおかみ)も祀られています。古くは社名も御祭神にちなみ「塚口須佐男神社」と称し、牛頭天王社(ごずてんのうしゃ)として地域に親しまれていました。明治19年(1886年)に現在地へ遷座し、このとき社名を現在の「塚口神社」に改めています。
「創建の由緒と歴史」
創建年代は定かではありませんが、伝承によれば奈良時代の天平年間(729~749年)に名僧・行基菩薩がこの地を巡錫した際、土地の守護神として祀ったのが始まりと伝えられています。以来1250年もの長きにわたり、塚口の地の鎮守(氏神)として信仰されてきました。中世以降、御祭神の須佐之男命は京都祇園社になぞらえ牛頭天王と習合されていたため、かつて塚口神社も「牛頭天王社」として疫病除けの神として崇敬されていたようです。事実、江戸時代頃までは各地の祇園社同様に天王祭が行われ、明治期に入ってから神仏分離に伴い現在の社名と祭礼形態に整えられたものと考えられます。明治期の遷座に関しては詳細な記録が残っていませんが、社殿老朽化や地域整備に伴う移転であった可能性があります。
江戸時代の地誌『摂陽群談』には「牛頭天王社川辺郡塚口村にあり、洛陽祇園社に同じ」との記述も見られ、当社が京都祇園社(八坂神社)と同じく牛頭天王=須佐之男命を祀る社であることが記録されています。地域の人々は代々、この須佐之男命を災厄から守ってくれる鎮守様として篤く信仰してきました。
行基と「行基さんの魚」伝説: 創建にまつわる興味深い伝説として、行基と「行基さん」と呼ばれた魚の逸話があります。社近くを流れる昆陽川(こやがわ)で、行基が巡錫中に漁師が捕えた不思議な魚を焼こうとしている場面に遭遇しました。行基は哀れに思い焼かれかけた魚を買い取り、水中に放ちます。すると魚はたちまち息を吹き返して泳ぎ去ったため、人々は感嘆しました。以後、この川に棲むそのフナに似た魚は「行基さん」と呼ばれ、捕まえても食さず放流する習わしが昭和初期まで続いたと伝えられています。この伝説は、行基の慈悲深い教えが地域に受け継がれた象徴であり、塚口神社が古くから人々の心の拠り所であったことを物語っています。
「地域の守護神としての役割と信仰の意味」
塚口神社は氏神様として、地域住民の暮らしを見守り加護を与える役割を担ってきました。須佐之男命は神話で八岐大蛇(やまたのおろち)を退治し稲田姫を救った勇猛果敢な神であり、その後稲田姫(櫛名田姫)を妻としてめでたく結ばれた逸話でも知られます。この神話にちなみ、須佐之男命は厄除けや災難除けの神として、また夫婦和合・縁結びのご神徳でも崇敬されます。実際、塚口神社にも「厄除」「病難除」「水難除」「火難除」といった災厄消除や、五穀豊穣、学問上達、縁結び、開運など多岐にわたるご利益が伝えられています。これは須佐之男命の持つ魔を祓い福を招く力に由来し、地域の人々は日々の健康・安全から商売繁盛、学業成就に至るまで、あらゆる願い事を氏神である当社に託してきました。
配祀神の恵比須大神は七福神の一柱でもあり、商売繁盛や豊漁の神として商工業者や漁業関係者から信仰される神です。塚口は海には面しませんが、商人の町でもあった尼崎では古くから恵比須信仰が盛んで、当社でも恵比須大神を祀ることで商売繫盛・豊かな暮らしへの祈りが込められています。櫛名田姫大神は須佐之男命に救われた後に結婚した女神で、その縁起から良縁成就や夫婦円満、農耕繁栄の象徴として信仰されています。こうした複数の神々を併せ祀ることで、塚口神社は地域住民の生活全般を守護する総合的な神社としての意味合いを持っているのです。
特に疫病除けの面では、明治以前に牛頭天王社として信仰された流れを汲み、悪疫退散を願う気持ちが強く込められています。江戸時代には疫病流行時に氏子がこぞって祈願し、村内に疫病が入らぬよう祈祷が行われた記録も残っています(尼崎地域の口碑による)。現代においても、新型感染症流行時には氏神としての当社に健康祈願をする氏子が多く、地域の安心の拠り所となりました。
「年間の主な祭事・行事」
塚口神社では一年を通じて様々な神事・祭礼が執り行われ、地域の伝統行事として受け継がれています。特に秋の例祭(通称:秋祭り)は最も盛大な行事で、毎年10月18日を含む土日に開催されます(10月18日が平日の年は直前の日曜日に繰り上げ)。宵宮は例年10月17日夜に催され、午後9時頃に各町内のだんじり(山車)が神社境内へ宮入りし、太鼓や笛のお囃子とともに勇壮に練り歩きます。翌日の本宮(例祭当日)では午前10時から神事が斎行され、その後氏子地域を練り回るだんじり巡行が行われます。各町内から繰り出すだんじりや布団太鼓が威勢の良い掛け声とともに街を巡る様子は圧巻で、沿道は大勢の見物客で賑わいます。氏子たちは白装束や法被姿で綱を曳き、町をあげて神輿ならぬ山車を奉納する様子に、塚口の地に息づく伝統と団結を感じることができます。
塚口神社秋祭りの様子(各町のだんじりと布団太鼓の巡行)。地域住民が一体となり盛り上がる、塚口の秋の風物詩です。
例祭期間中は境内や周辺に多数の露店が立ち並び、お祭りムード一色となります。氏子の青年団や婦人会も運営に協力し、地域の交流の場ともなっています。また例祭に合わせて塚口商店街では秋祭り縁日が開催され、屋台やゲームコーナーで子供たちも楽しめるイベントが企画されます。こうした祭りを通じて、塚口神社は地域コミュニティの中心としての役割も果たしているのです。
この秋祭り以外にも、年間を通じた神事がいくつかあります。新年最初の歳旦祭(さいたんさい)や元旦の初詣では、多くの地域住民が参拝に訪れ、一年の無事と繁栄を祈ります。2月節分には節分祭が行われ、神職や年男・年女による豆まきが賑やかに催されます(近年は福豆の袋を授与する形も)。春には祈年祭(としごいのまつり)が2月下旬に執行され、その年の五穀豊穣を祈願します。かつて周辺に田畑が多く残っていた頃には、5月頃に稲作豊作を祈る御田植祭も行われていたとされ、苗を植える神事の所作が神社境内で披露されたとのことです。6月末には夏越の大祓(なごしのおおはらえ)が行われ、茅の輪くぐりによって半年間の穢れを祓い清め、夏を無事越せるよう祈ります。11月下旬の新嘗祭(にいなめさい)では秋の収穫に感謝を捧げ、12月末には年越しの大祓で一年の罪穢を祓って新年を迎える準備をします。さらに11月中旬には七五三の参拝もピークを迎え、可愛らしい晴れ着姿の子どもたちと家族連れで境内が和やかな雰囲気に包まれます。これら年間行事を通じ、塚口神社は四季折々の節目ごとに地域の人々の祈りを受け止め、その生活に寄り添っています。
「社殿・境内の特徴と見どころ」
塚口神社の石造鳥居。参道脇には対になった石灯籠が立ち並び、春には約10本の桜がアーチをつくって参拝者を迎えます。JRや阪急の駅に近い市街地ながら、一歩境内に足を踏み入れると静かな空気が漂います。正面の石鳥居をくぐり砂利敷きの参道を進むと、左右に石灯籠が整然と並び、神聖な雰囲気を醸し出しています。桜の季節には参道の桜並木が花のトンネルとなり、大変華やかな景色となります。境内はさほど広くはありませんが、樹木が適度に茂り、隣を流れる小川のせせらぎも聞こえて心地よい空間です。住宅街の中にあって地域の憩いの場にもなっており、朝夕の散歩ついでに参拝する地元の方も多く見られます。
塚口神社の拝殿。銅板葺(緑青色の屋根)に千鳥破風・唐破風を備えた現在の社殿は、昭和48年(1973年)に新築されたものです。社殿正面には神紋入りの大きな注連縄が掲げられ、両脇に狛犬が鎮座しています。現在の本殿・拝殿・幣殿から成る社殿は、1973年に近代的な資材で再建されたものですが、千木(屋根の叉柱)や勝男木(屋根上の木材)、千鳥破風や唐破風といった伝統的意匠を取り入れており、神社建築の風格を備えています。屋根は緑青色に輝く銅板葺きで、社殿全体が清楚な中にも威厳を感じさせます。
再建前の旧本殿は江戸時代に建てられたもので、その棟瓦(屋根の鬼瓦)に宝永2年(1705年)の銘が残っていたことから18世紀初頭には存在していたと分かります。現在、その旧本殿の建物は境内社の稲荷社として本殿向かって右手に移築・現存しており、往時の建物を直接目にすることができます。旧本殿由来の石造物もいくつか残っており、寛政2年(1790年)奉納の狛犬や、天保7年(1836年)造立の石灯籠などが境内に伝わっています。これらの歴史的遺物は、塚口神社が長い年月にわたり地域の信仰を集めてきた証と言えるでしょう。
境内社(末社)としては、先述の稲荷社のほかに五社神社と手力男神社があります。五社神社は社名の通り5柱の神々を合祀したお社で、中を覗くと宇賀姫大神・豊受姫大神・菅原道真公・火之迦具土大神などの御神名札が確認でき、稲荷・食物・学問・火防の神々を祀っているようです。これは明治期に周辺の小祠を統合したものと考えられ、五つの御利益を兼ね備えたお社として信仰されています。手力男神社は天岩戸神話で知られる天手力男命(あめのたぢからおのみこと)を祀ったお社で、力や開運の神として崇敬されています。境内社には社名の扁額が掲げられていないため一見わかりにくいですが、由緒板の説明によれば以上のような神々がお祀りされています。