Originally, there were no strict rules about how to pray to kami in the shrine. Every visitor is allowed to worship at the shrine in a way he or she sees fit. However, it is a natural outcome that in order to make a sincere petition to the kami, one might endeavor as much as possible to make polite and careful obeisance to the kami. What follows is the general practice for making prayers to the kami.
“Torii” at the entrance to the shrine refers to the boundary between the “mundane world” and the “sacred area” where the kami resides. Accordingly, before walking forward through the torii, make a slight bow to inform the kami of entry into the “sacred area.” Under the torii, refrain from walking on the center of the path leading to the shrine, on which the kami will pass by. Before leaving the shrine precinct through the torii, turn around to face the “shaden (shrine building),” and make a bow.
Make a slight bow before walking through the torii.
Under the Torii, refrain from walking on the center of the path as it is regarded as sacred space.
After passing through torii, you will see “chouzu-ya (Water ablution pavilion)” on the left side. Before approaching the honden (main hall), wash your hands and rinse your mouth, cleansing the body in what is a purification ritual. There is a set procedure for purifying the hands and mouth, so please refer as below.
After making a slight bow, then take the ladle with your right hand and fill it with water. Then pour some water over your left hand to rinse it.
Shift the ladle to your left hand and rinse your right hand.
Take the ladle with your right hand again, and pour water onto your left cupped hand and rinse your mouth.
Rinse your left hand once more.
Finally, tilt the ladle so that the remaining water trickles down the handle to cleanse it.
*This series of actions will be performed with one scoop of water of the ladle.
“Sando” (literally, “path for visiting the shrine”) refers to the approach to the “honden” (main hall) from the torii. Likewise, after entering through the torii refrain from walking on the center of the path where it is believed that kami pass by. When moving across the center, keep your head lowered. Alternatively, before moving across the center, make a bow at the center while facing toward the shrine sanctuary.
Under the Torii, refrain from walking on the center of the path as it is regarded as sacred space.
“Goshaden” refers to the place where the sacred object of enshrined kami is worshiped. It may be the case that the shrine has both a “honden” (main hall) and “haiden” (worship hall). In such a case, ceremonies like prayer services are held in the haiden. It is advisable to come through the front entrance of the honden for worship at Samukawa-jinja Shrine, and the“kyaku-den” (reception hall) on the right side of the honden for receiving prayer services.
Below are some basic procedures for praying at the shrine. When praying at a shrine, sincerity takes precedence over formality.
Throw money into the offering box (politely and gently).
Bow deeply twice.
Calmly clap your hands twice.
Pray while making a wish.
Finally, bow deeply once more, and then leave the shrine altar.
Various prayer services including Happo-yoke will be offerred.
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