shita goryou jinja

Shimogoryojinja traces its origins to the Goryo-e ritual held at Shinsen-en pond in 863 CE, when prayers were offered to appease the vengeful spirits of those who had died unjustly in political strife. Eight spirits — including Emperor Sudo (Prince Sawara), Prince Iyo, and Fujiwara no Hirotsugu — are enshrined here as the 'Hassho Goryo.' Long venerated as the guardian shrine of the Imperial Palace, it was relocated to its present site in 1590 as part of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's urban planning. The current main hall dates to 1791, relocated from a temporary imperial residence after the great Tenmei fire of 1788. The shrine is widely visited for prayers for health recovery and protection from evil.