Nagao-jinja Shrine (長尾神社)
Nagao-jinja Shrine is located in Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture. It was a Shikinai-sha (shrine listed in ancient Engishiki laws) of Katsuragi district, Yamato Province and was categorised as a gosha (village shrine) in the old shrine ranking.
History and Summary
It is said to have housed the guardian deity of the Nagao clan who governed the area, however, this fact is unconfirmed. It is also said to have been related to the Yoshinoren family. The shrine is located at the key junction where Nagao-kaido Road and Yoko-oji Road (Nara Prefecture) intersect and has been home to the god of traffic safety until today.
In the Engishiki jimmyocho (a register of shrines in Japan), it is listed as: 'A Nagao-jinja Shrine in Katsuragi-gun, taisha (a grand shrine), Tsukinami-sai Festival, Niiname-sai Festival (ceremonial offering by the Emperor of newly-harvested rice to the deities)'
Legend
A long time ago, there was a giant snake in Yamato Province; it curled three times around Mt. Miwa and its tail reached Nagao. It is said that Omiwa-jinja Shrine (Sakurai City) was located at its head and Nagao-jinja Shrine at its tail.
Moreover, it is also said that there was a dragon and Iwazononiimasu-takumushitama-jinja Shrine (Yamatotakada City) was located at its head and Nagao-jinja Shrine at its tail.