About Harai-mon
Chinowa Kuguri
Chinowa Kuguri is a ritual where one purifies the mind and body and wards
off misfortune by passing through a ring several meters in diameter made
of a grass called "chigaya."
Chinowa Kuguri originates from Japanese mythology. The legend traces back
to when Susanoo-no-Mikoto, seeking shelter during his travels, was warmly
welcomed by Somin Shorai in Bingo Province. Despite his poverty, Somin
Shorai generously hosted Susanoo-no-Mikoto, while his wealthy brother,
Kotan Shorai, refused to offer shelter. Several years later, Susanoo-no-Mikoto
revisited Somin Shorai and instructed him to wear a ring made of chigaya
around his waist to escape plagues. Following this guidance, Somin Shorai
evaded calamity. Since then, people have worn the chigaya ring to pray
for health and disaster-free lives. By the Edo period, this practice evolved
into passing through the ring, as is done today.
At our company, instead of a chigaya ring, we have created a stone ring
and named it "Harai-mon," allowing people to perform Chinowa
Kuguri all year round.
How to Perform the Ritual
At our company, the ritual is performed as follows:
Bow at the front, step over the chigaya ring with your left foot, and return
to the front by circling to the left.
Bow at the front, step over the chigaya ring with your right foot, and
return to the front by circling to the right.
Then, pass through the ring once more and proceed to worship at the shrine.
While the above are the usual instructions, some may add a third round:
Bow at the front, step over the chigaya ring with your left foot, and return
to the front by circling to the left again.
When passing through the ring, silently recite the following prayer:
"Harai tamai, kiyome tamae, mamori tamae, sakihae tamae"
("Cleanse me, purify me, protect me, bless me")