Ikeda Shrine

Ikuta Shrine is said to be the oldest shrine in Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture, enshrining Emperor Ōjin, Emperor Nintoku, and Ayahatori Daimyōjin. Its formal name is Ayahagu Ikeda Jinja (Ayahagu-no-miya Ikuta Shrine), and it is known as an Engishiki-listed shrine that enjoyed deep reverence from successive emperors and the imperial family. The deity Ayahatori Daimyōjin is also said to be the origin of the place name Ayaha. According to shrine tradition, during the era of Emperor Ōjin, Ayahatori and Kurehatori were brought from the Kingdom of Wu and taught weaving and sewing techniques here; after Ayahatori’s death she was enshrined at this shrine. Historically, however, this account is not regarded as fact and is thought to have been attached to the site by the descendants of the Sakanoue clan after the Hata clan replaced earlier groups and developed the area from the mid-Heian period onward. The shrine is considered one of the candidate locations (ronsōsha) for the Ikuta Shrine listed in the Engishiki Jinmyōchō for Kawabe District, Settsu Province; another candidate shrine is in Amagasaki City, Hyōgo Prefecture. Originally only Ayahatori Daimyōjin was enshrined here, but in 785, by decree of Emperor Kanmu, the shrine buildings were renewed and Emperor Ōjin and Emperor Nintoku were also enshrined.