About
Nestled in the tranquil mountains of Kamakura stands Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine. As its name suggests, this is a special place known for purifying money and praying for good fortune. The approach to the shrine takes visitors along a lush green path and through a tunnel carved out of rock, giving the impression of an entrance to another world.
The origin of this shrine dates back to a dream seen by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, in 1185. It is said that in his dream, the deity Ugafuku appeared and told him, “If you enshrine the spring that wells up in the northwest as a deity, peace will come to the land.” Yoritomo followed this divine message and built the shrine at the site of the spring. Later, in 1257, Hojo Tokiyori washed coins in the water of this spring and prayed for the prosperity of his clan. From this, the belief spread that washing money here would bring increased financial luck. (gltjp.com)
Upon entering the shrine grounds, the first things that catch the eye are the rows of torii gates and the cave that extends further inside. The “Zeniarai-mizu” spring that wells up within this cave is counted as one of Kamakura’s five famous waters, and it is believed that washing money in this pure water will double one’s fortune. Visitors place coins or bills in a bamboo basket and purify them by pouring spring water over them with a ladle. It is said that carefully keeping the washed money and using it as soon as possible will invite even more good fortune. (gltjp.com)
In the shrine’s inner sanctuary, Ugafuku-no-kami and Benzaiten are enshrined. Benzaiten is known as the goddess of music, the arts, and wisdom, but here she is especially worshipped as a deity of fortune. In addition, there are auxiliary shrines within the grounds, such as the Kamino-mizu Shrine, Shimono-mizu Shrine, and Shichifukujin Shrine, each believed to offer different blessings. (zh.wikipedia.org)
When visiting, one first receives a candle, incense, and a bamboo basket for washing money at the shrine office. After lighting the candle and incense and completing prayers at the main shrine, visitors proceed to the cave in the inner sanctuary. The air inside the cave is cool and filled with a sacred atmosphere. Here, visitors purify the money placed in the bamboo basket with the spring water and pray for improved fortune. This series of rituals is sure to be a special experience for all who visit. (gltjp.com)
Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine is a place where Kamakura’s history and nature are intertwined, offering a cleansing experience for the soul. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of ancient samurai and feel the unchanging faith and traditions that persist even today. The experience at this shrine provides an opportunity to step away from everyday life and embrace new hope for the future.