Chikubu Island Hogonji Temple Benzaitendo
The Great Benzaiten at Chikubujima Hogonji Temple is the oldest of Japan's three Benzaiten statues, and was opened to the public by the priest Gyoki in 724 by order of Emperor Shomu. This main sanctuary is a secret Buddhist temple and is open to the public only once every 60 years; the next public viewing is scheduled for 2037. The main hall was rebuilt in 1942, and the murals in the inner sanctuary were painted by Kanpo Arai and are known as the "Shokutenjin no zu" and "Hiten no zu. The origin of Hogonji Temple dates back to the time when Emperor Shomu dispatched Gyoki to enshrine a statue of Benzaiten (Sarasvati) in accordance with a prophecy in a dream by the goddess Amaterasu. Later, Kannondō was built, and many emperors and high priests have visited the temple. The principal deity, Dai Benzaiten, is believed to bestow "wealth, honor, and long life," "virtue of charm and matchmaking," and "offspring." In India, he is worshipped as Sarasvati, the god of purity of heart, and is regarded as the guardian deity of artistic and commercial pursuits.