What is Tagata Shrine?
'''Tagata Shrine''' is a small shrine located in Komaki City, [[Aichi Prefecture]], [[Japan]]. It a [[Shikinaisha]] and was previously designated as Go-sha. Tagata Shrine is famous for its Harvest Festival [[Hōnensai]] held annually in March. The old character form of 'ken' is written as '碣' (agata, ken), and sometimes used to represent Tagata Shrine. It is near [[Ōagata jinja]] which has a similar yonic festival the day before == Enshrined deities == The deities enshrined here are [[Toshigami]] and Tamahime no Mikoto, gods of bountiful harvests and prosperity of descendants. According to the shrine's legend, this area was part of the residence of Oarata no Mikoto, and the goddess of a bountiful harvest was enshrined in the residence. Tamahime no Mikoto was the daughter of Oarata no Mikoto, and after her husband died, she returned to her parents' home and raised her children splendidly as a mother while helping her father to develop the area. It is said that Within the grounds of Tagata Shrine, there are several stones that have been carved into the shape of [[Phallus|phalluses]]. == History == The exact year of foundation for Tagata Shrine is unknown, but it is considered to be a fairly old shrine with roots in indigenous beliefs. It is known for combining beliefs related to fertility and agriculture. In historical records such as [[Engishiki Jinmyocho]], it is identified as 'Tagata-jinja Shrine, Niwa-gun, Owari Province', and in 'Owari National Shrine' in 1364 as 'Junior Third Rank Uedakata Tenjin'. The shrine was later relocated to its current location in the former Kasugai County. == Harvest festival == {{Main|Hōnensai}} The harvest festival, known as 'Hounensai' or 'Hounen Matsuri', is held on March 15th every year at Tagata Shrine. It is also commonly referred to as the 'Henoko Festival'. During this festival, men carry a [[mikoshi]] (portable shrine) in the shape of a phallus called Oowasegata, while [[Miko|mikos]] carry smaller phallic-shaped portable shrines. According to legend, touching the miko