Inokashira Benzaiten Shrine

Things that flow. Something you might find at many of the bodies of water in Japan is a shrine to one of the Seven Lucky Gods.

Benzaiten is connected with water. So here in Inokashira Koen (park), there is a decent sized shrine to the Lucky Goddess Benzaiten.

Something to notice at Benzaiten shrines are the details. Like the wave carvings on this toro, stone lantern.

There are a couple well worn komainu. This one looks a little happy.

While the other looks a little sad.

Of course there is a chozuya here. This one has a more elaborate roof than most.

The use of vermilion on the various building is quite striking.

With pale blue surrounded by black, it gives the building a look of importance.

Behind the main building there is another chozuya. However this one may have a different purpose. It may be a place where people wash their money in hopes that it will increase or to purify it. 

Benzaiten is often paired with a dragon, a creature who is also connected to water. 

There is another small shrine on this tiny island in Inokashira Ike (pond). This is the Nanai Fudosuno Shrine.

Jizo on a lotus, which are sometimes found around Benzaiten shrines. She is also often shown sitting on a lotus. The stones at his feet may be placed there by worshipers who have children who have passed away. They do so in hopes of lessening the time their child may have to suffer in the underworld.

A closer look at this shrine with what appeared to be seashells left as offerings. Nanai is an older name for the pond.

One of the more unusual statues here is of Ugajin, a human headed snake, god of water, agriculture and good fortune. Some statues of Benzaiten have Ugajin on her head.

Not a photo by me but a print of a 1838 painting by Utagawa Hiroshige. Titled "Snow Scene of Benzaiten Shrine in Inokashira Pond" (Inokashira no ike Benzaiten no yashiro yuki no kei). Both the large Benzaiten shrine and part of the Nanai Fudosuno shrine can be seen. It is believed that there has been a shrine on this island since the early 800's.