History of Tachiki Kannon
History and Origins of Nikkozan Chuzenji
Origins of the Temple’s Founding
Nikkozan Chuzenji Temple was founded in 784 by the Buddhist monk Shodo Shonin, who is revered as the founder of sacred Mount Nikko. After overcoming many hardships, he successfully reached the summit of Mount Nantai, where tradition holds that he experienced a divine vision of Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.
The Main Hall, located on the shores of Lake Chuzenji, enshrines Senju Kannon, the Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva of Compassion. According to tradition, Shodo Shonin carved the image directly into a living katsura tree growing by the lakeside. Because the statue was carved without cutting down the tree, it came to be known as “Tachiki Kannon,” meaning “Kannon carved from a living tree.” It has remained an object of deep devotion for generations.
Historical Overview
- 1
784 CE (Enryaku 3)
Founded by Priest Shodo
Priest Shodo carved the Tachiki Kannon on the shore of Lake Chuzenji, founding the temple. It began to flourish as a sacred site of Nikko mountain asceticism.
- 2
848 CE (Kasho 1)
Visit by Ennin (Jikaku Daishi)
Jikaku Daishi is said to have climbed to Chuzenji and founded Yakushi-ji Temple there, strengthening its character as a site of the Tendai sect.
- 3
1627 (Kan'ei 4)
Restoration by Tenkai
Under the protection of the Edo shogunate, the temple complex was maintained and restored by the great priest Tenkai.
- 4
Meiji Era
A Summer Retreat for Foreign Envoys
From the Meiji era onward, the shore of Lake Chuzenji flourished as a summer retreat for diplomats from various countries, and Chuzenji became known internationally.
- 5
Today
A Leading Kannon Pilgrimage Site in Kanto
Chuzenji draws many visitors as one of the leading Kannon pilgrimage sites in the Kanto region, and is counted as the 18th sacred site of the Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.
The Principal Image: Senju Kannon, the Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva of Compassion
The principal image of the temple is Senju Kannon, the Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva of Compassion, an imposing statue approximately six meters tall. According to tradition, Shodo Shonin carved the image directly into a living katsura tree on the shores of Lake Chuzenji, and the tree remains rooted in the ground to this day. With a thousand hands to offer aid and a thousand eyes to watch over the suffering of all beings, Senju Kannon is believed to respond to many different prayers and wishes.
The 18th Site of the Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage
Chuzenji Tachiki Kannon is the 18th temple of the Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, a historic pilgrimage route extending across the Kanto and surrounding regions. Over the centuries, many pilgrims have visited this sacred site to offer their prayers to Senju Kannon, the Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva of Compassion.