Place of worship • 40 Nishikiderachō, Nara, 630-8307, Japan
Nara is adorned with many historical sites steeped in mystery, and one of them is the Sudo Emperor Shrine located in a corner of the city. Despite its small size, this shrine is enveloped in a solemn atmosphere, where it is said that the soul of the tragic Prince Salaro is enshrined.
The main deity of the Sudo Emperor Shrine is Prince Salaro, the half-brother of Emperor Sudo in the Heian period. Forced into monkhood at the young age of 11, Prince Salaro was later exiled to Awaji Island, where he met an untimely death at the age of 21. His gruesome demise led to him being feared as a vengeful spirit.
The Sudo Emperor Shrine, along with the Goryo Shrine in the city, is known as the 'Two Great Goryo Shrines of Nanto.' While the Goryo Shrine calms the spirit of Emperor Sudo, the Sudo Emperor Shrine, by enshrining the vengeful spirit of Prince Salaro, is believed to provide blessings to maintain peace and tranquility in Nara.
While strolling through the streets of Nara, why not take a moment to visit this small shrine? It may become a time to reflect on the prince's sorrow and contemplate the history of Nara.
The Sudo Emperor Shrine offers a wide variety of seals, including monthly seals and cut-paper seals, making it a recommended shrine for those who enjoy collecting seals. However, it seems that the office hours are limited, so it's advisable to check in advance.