Heso Ishi (belly button stone)

It was reportedly the foundation stone of Horanomiya Palace built in the Nara Period [in the 8th century]. In the local area, this stone was used to pray for rain, and there is a tradition in the local area: “It will rain if you make a wish to Amatsubo and burn the Heso Ishi Stone.” “Amatsubo” means Amatsubo Shrine [literally, rain pot shrine], and this shrine has been relocated to the precinct of Chikatsuo Shrine. A miniature shrine used to be located at the foot of the mountain to the south of Kokubu housing complex.
At the ceremony to pray for rain, villagers gather at Amatsubo Shrine, light a torch and begin to pray. The villagers then go to the Heso Ishi Stone remaining in the Kokubu housing complex, and burn the protruded part in the center of the stone. Next, they go to the Amatsubo Pond at the back of the shrine and stir the water in the pond with the torch. Strangely enough when the ceremony was carried out, it apparently started raining.

place associated with
Amatsubo Shrine, Heso Ishi (belly button stone)

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