Ishido Temple

Ishido Temple [少族方; いしど・ほら] is a temple located in the city of Ryūzu, Saka Prefecture. Within the temple there is enshrined a minor deity known as Aranimae (空二前, 'two faces of the sky'), legends of which have been found in both Saka and Kōfu Prefectures. It is one of only four major temples dedicated to this kami. Ishido is also known locally as Aranimae-na.
The temple was founded in 1119 by a feudal lord named Yamina no Shū, apparently a vassal of the Yamako. It is located southwest of the city centre in Yakata, a hilly and less urbanised area surrounded by fields and near to the Tohara River. This site was once the location of Yamina Castle, and it is thought that this area, and perhaps larger Ryūzu, was controlled by this small clan. 
The legend of the deity itself, Aranimae, is local and rarely heard outside of the Honzuranō region. The kami is said to have one face which is perpetually angry, and releases thunder in fits of rage, and another face which is gentle and benevolent, and releases rain so that all living things can grow. Aranimae is especially popular with people seeking good fortune in agriculture.
Category:Temples