Get lucky in Nara.

Mission, The Sugawaratenmangu Shrine and a lucky charm (researched 19 Nov 2013)
 

 

 

The other day, I researched The Sugawaratenmangu Shrine and a lucky charm.

 

Here is what I found.

 

 

 

The first of all. The Shrine is dedicated to SUGAWARA Michizane (who is known as a master calligrapher)

 

The second, there is the mound for old, used calligraphy brushes.

 

The third, several ceremonies and events are held at The Shrine through the year. (see their web site http://www.sugawaratenmangu.com/)

 

 

"I hear Nara fude matsuri 奈良筆祭り (held on the 20th of March) is worth visiting. Watching the calligraphy performances and stuff."

 

 

 

The forth, the uniquely shaped lucky charm.

As you can see the pictures, the lucky charm is shaped the bird called "鷽" ウソ pronounced "uso", rhymes with "lie" in Japanese.

There fore, it is believed that the lies  you've ever made, become the truths by doing a swap your lucky charm with some one else as saying "kaemasho"  "let's swap it" at the uso kae shinji 鷽替神事 held on the 25th of June.

Generally, a lucky charm is shaped a little square bag, containing a peace of paper, written the name of shrine or temple. While the "鷽" lucky charm is shaped a bird. After buying a bird shaped lucky charm, you are advised to place the thing at a nice and clean spot in your house to let it protect you and your family for the year. Remember, your lucky charm expires in a year.

 

 

 

Over all

The Sugawaratenmangu Shrine is a small place. You might miss it, if you drive to go there. I suppose the shrine would have been worshiped by the local people and the calligraphers for very long time, how ever, the place is not a popular visiting spot.

As it turned out, the accessibility for wheel chair doesn't exist at the shrine, has a tiny car park(accommodates 3-4 cars) in front. You must visit there with a good tough assistant to accompany with.(if you use wheel chair)

 

Cost

No admission fee is required.

A free parking area is available.

A bird shaped lucky charm costs you ¥1000.

 

How to get there

The shrine is located 800m South from the Yamatosaidaji station 大和西大寺駅, it is near the bus stop Hannasugawara 阪奈菅原 on the route Hannna 阪奈道路.See their web site for a map http://www.sugawaratenmangu.com/.

Address 518 Sugawarahigashi, Nara city, Nara  奈良県奈良市菅原東町518

Ph 0742-45-3576 FAX 0742-45-3518

 

 

 

Conclusion

The day I went there was cold and occasional rain, plus gaps and gravel.

Even though facing all those hardship, I had a great research at the shrine.