Daikōzen-ji (Saga)

The temple was founded by Gyōki in 717 A.D.^[1] It was razed in 835 A.D., however, it was restored by the Buddhist priest Ennin in 847.^[2] In the Kyōroku era around the year 1530 A.D., the temple was burnt down in a war. In 1542, however, the main hall was rebuilt by Tsukushi Korekado (筑紫惟門) who ruled the area.^[3] Later, in the Edo period, Kiyama became a part of Tsushima Province, and Sō Yoshinari, the feudal lord of Tsushima Domain helped rebuilt the temple in 1624.^[4]

The Statue of the Eleven-Faced Kannon (Guanyin or the Goddess of Mercy) is said to have been carved by a priest known as Gyōki. As a "hidden Buddha," it is concealed and can only be seen during the year of the horse every 12 years.^[5]