At the center of the main sanctuary of Yasaka Jinja Shrine, Susanoo-no-mikoto is enshrined.
In Japanese mythology, Susanoo-no-mikoto was banished from plain of high heaven because of his default on reign of the sea and his act of outrage. After he went down into Izumo on earth, he met an old couple and their daughter, Kushiinadahime-no-mikoto, who was going to be a sacrifice to the eight-headed serpent, Yamata-no-orochi, which represents disasters. He defeated the serpent to relieve Kushiinadahime-no-mikoto, and took her to wife. In this way, Susanoo-no-mikoto became famous as a heroic deity.
In the main sanctuary, Kushiinadahime-no-mikoto and eight children of Susanoo-no-mikoto, Yahashira-no-mikoto, are enshrined with Susanoo-no-mikoto.