Motoyamaji Temple
Main Image Maedachi Bato Kannon (Three-Faced, Eight-Armed Horse-Headed Kannon) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
Impression TagsPowerTense PresenceDignity
DescriptionMotoyamaji, Temple No. 70 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, is the only temple on the circuit whose principal deity is Horse-Headed Kannon. Depicted with a horse's head above three faces and eight arms, this fierce form of Kannon is revered for cutting through worldly delusions and protecting travelers, livestock and pets. In its National Treasure main hall the temple keeps a maedachi, a substitute image modeled on the principal Bato Kannon and traditionally attributed to the Kyoto sculptor Kitagawa Uncho. The original principal image has not been unveiled since 1906, and the substitute is also normally hidden. To mark the Year of the Horse in 2026, the maedachi was specially unveiled from April 25 to May 17. A further opening is planned for October 31–November 23, from 9:00 to 16:00, with ¥700 admission. Confirm the schedule before visiting, and distinguish the visible substitute from the hidden original.
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