KANNONJI
観音寺
KANNONJI 観音寺
This ancient temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, often known as Yamazaki Shoten is located at the foot of Mt. Tennozan and was built by Emperor Uda in the year 899.
There are 2 ways to approach this temple. One is the mountain trail entrance that you would enter through while descending Mt. Tennozan. The other is approching from the main road when you pass through the torii gate. There is a long and steep staircase leading to the main hall. Whichever entrance you approach from you will pass through majestic bamboo groves.
The principal image, 11 faced Kannon Bosatsu (Kannon Bodhisattva) is said to have been made by Prince Shotoku. Photographs are not allowed inside the prayer halls.
During the Edo period, Kankiten or more commonly known as Shoten, was enshrined as a guardian deity here and the temple came to be worshipped by merchants in particular. Shoten is a deity who grants whatever is asked of him without fail, including impossible wishes. He is also said to watch over those who have a karmic connection with him from the moment of their conception, serving as their invisible companion throughout their lives.
Towards the of the Edo Period the temple became embroiled in war and was destroyed by fire with the exception of the principal image statue of the Thousand-armed Kannon and the statue of Kankiten. All of the existing buildings were later reconstructed during the Meiji period.
This temple is typically void of any visitors and is quite photogenic.