Summary of the timing and method of returning amulets

When should you return your amulet?

First, let's check the timing for returning the omamori. Generally, it is said that the effectiveness of an omamori charm expires one year after it is given to you.

Therefore, the best time to return your amulet is about one year after you received it.

It is also said that if your wish is granted before a year has passed, it is a good idea to return the amulet at that time.

How to return your amulet

From here, let's take a look at how to return the amulet.

Return the amulet to the temple or shrine where you received it

The best way to return the amulet is to go to the temple or shrine where you received it, return it, and have it burned and offered for memorial services.

Shrines have a place called an "old talisman depository" (such as an old talisman depository or an old talisman depository), and temples have a place called an "offering depository." You should return your amulet there.

Return the amulet to a temple or shrine other than the one you received it from

In the case of omamori (amulet) given to you while traveling or on a business trip, it may be difficult to visit a shrine or temple due to the distance. Normally, you should return the omamori to the shrine or temple where you received it, but some shrines and temples will accept omamori given elsewhere.

However, when returning the amulet to a temple, be sure to choose a temple of the same sect as the one you received it from. It is considered disrespectful to return an amulet to a temple of a different sect.

Please note that the procedures for returning the items vary depending on the temple or shrine, and some may incur a fee. Be sure to check the temple's website or call in advance.

Dondo Yaki

It is also possible to return the items at a "Dondoyaki" ceremony, where decorations such as New Year's decorations and New Year's pine decorations are burned in the grounds of a shrine or in rice fields.

However, unlike burning the remains, you will have to perform the memorial service yourself.

Incinerate at home

You can also dispose of your omamori charm by incinerating it at home. As a token of your gratitude, it is a good idea to hold a memorial service for it following the steps below before incinerating it.

1. Spread out a piece of white paper and place the amulet you wish to return on it.

2. With gratitude, sprinkle a handful of salt on the amulet once to the left, once to the right, and once again to the left.

3. Wrap the amulet in white paper and incinerate it.

Put it in the burnable trash

If it is difficult to incinerate the remains at home, you can dispose of them by disposing of them in the burnable garbage after following the steps above.

Amulets may have decorations on them, but when disposing of them as burnable garbage, be sure to follow the rules in your area and separate burnable from non-burnable.

Major temples and shrines along the Nankai Line where you can get amulets

Finally, we will introduce the main temples and shrines along the Nankai Line where you can get amulets.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

This is the head shrine of Sumiyoshi Shrine, which has about 2,300 branches nationwide. It is known as "Sumiyossan" in Osaka, and has been loved for a long time. It is also famous nationwide, with more than 2.3 million visitors at the beginning of the year.

Famous talismans
It is said that if you pick up a pebble from Goshogozen, located south of the First Main Shrine, and use it as a talisman, your wish will come true.

The items to be picked up are three pebbles with the characters "5," "Dai," and "Chikara" written in ink. They are hidden among the pebbles scattered around the base of the cedar tree at Goshogozen. Find a set of three with the characters "5," "Dai," and "Chikara" written on them, and place them in a special bag as a talisman. If you do, you will be granted the five powers of physical strength, intelligence, wealth, good fortune, and longevity, and will receive the blessing of making your wishes come true.

DATA

・Business hours: 9:00-17:00 (amulet gift shop)

・TEL: 06-6672-0753

Address: 2-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture

Access: 3 minutes on foot from Sumiyoshi-Taisha Station on the Nankai Main Line

About 5 minutes walk from Sumiyoshi-Higashi Station on the Nankai Koya Line

A short walk from the Sumiyoshi Torii-mae tram stop on the Hankai Tram Line

Awashima Shrine

Awashima Shrine, with its eye-catching rows of Hina dolls in the worship hall, is famous for its Hina Nagashi ritual. It is said to bring good luck in treating gynecological illnesses, praying for safe childbirth, and finding love, and is also popular as a power spot for women.

Famous talismans
Awashima Shrine's charms are characterized by their wide variety. Among them, there are many charms related to women, such as charms for female health, safe childbirth, and matchmaking. Of course, you can also receive standard charms such as those for good health and protection from misfortune.

DATA

・Business hours: 9:00-17:00

・TEL: 073-459-0043

Address: 118 Kada, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture

Access: 20 minutes on foot from Kada Station on the Nankai Electric Railway Kada Line

Imamiya Ebisu Shrine

This shrine enshrines Ebisu, the god of prosperity in business. The Toka Ebisu festival, held for three days from January 9th to 11th every year, is a very lively event, attracting approximately one million worshippers every year.

Famous talismans
Imamiya Ebisu Shrine has several amulets that can only be purchased here, such as the "Fuku Musume Amulet," "Oban," and "Ebisu Tai," which are said to grant the blessings of Ebisu's blessings of prosperous business and good fortune.

One of the most famous is the "Ebisu-mamori," a small talisman depicting a smiling Ebisu deity holding a bright red sea bream in his left hand and a fishing rod in his right, and with this charm you can always feel the blessings of prosperous business and good fortune.

DATA

・Business hours: 9:00-17:00

・TEL: 06-6643-0150

Address: 1-6-10 Ebisu Nishi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture

Access: 2 minutes on foot from Imamiya-Ebisu Station on the Nankai Koya Line

Be sure to properly return any amulets you have been given!

This time, we explained the timing and method of returning an omamori (charm). When you receive an omamori (charm for making a wish), you should remember that it is good manners to wear and store it carefully and return it properly. If you take good care of your omamori, you may be able to receive the blessings again.

Original article: https://otent-nankai.jp/category/topic/221221_omamori-return_845