Tenkawa Village Sightseeing Website

The sacred images enshrined at this temple for 300 years include the standing statues of Seikanon Bosatsu, a standing statue of Daibenzai Tennyo, standing statues of Kongo Doji, and Goho Shin. The are all the works by Enku, a wandering monk from the early Edo period. Each statue captivates the viewer with a gentle and serene smile. Enku, born in Gifu during the early Edo period, entered the priesthood at the age of 23. At the age of 32, he fulfilled his long-cherished wish to create 120,000 wooden Buddhist statues. He traveled from Hokkaido to Kansai, leaving behind various Buddha and deity statues when he passed away at 64. He visited Mount Omine twice in his life and underwent rigorous winter training at places like Mount Sanjo-gatake. The four statues enshrined in the Tochio Kannon Hall were created during Enku's visit to Mount Omine. These group statues are rare among Enku's works and are highly regarded as masterpieces among his Buddha images. Notably, the Goho Shinzo statue is recognized for being one of the first carvings by Enku. The warm and approachable aura of Enku's statues, seemingly ready to engage in a gentle conversation, transcends time and resonates with the hearts of those who worship them, captivating admirers.