At first, this temple was called Tomatsu-ji, but the original building was damaged in flooding and the temple was moved to the opposite shore. The temple was renamed Ensho-ji when it was moved to its current location.

The principal object of worship is a 250-centimeter statue of Vairocana. Vairocana is a relatively new deity compared to Bhaisajyaguru. There were three original high-ranking buddhas introduced in Japan: Gautama, Bhaisajyaguru, and Amitabha. In the Heian Period, along with Kūkai’s and Saicho’s introduction of Esoteric Buddhism, Vairocana was introduced as the highest-ranking deity. This statue, which became the foundation for Esoteric Buddhism in Japan, represents the end of the Heian Period and the beginning of the Kamakura Period.

By the way, this area is referred to as “Ozaki.” From this area, the Tadagatake Mountain Range looks as if it is a waterfall flowing into the valley, and the area where Wakasa-hiko Shrine is located is referred to as “ryu-zen,” or “in front of the dragon.”

So where does this dragon’s tail end? Right here in Ozaki. By building temples in the boundary between the mountain and the village, you protect the holy land that lies beyond, as well as the holy water that the prosperous Wakasa relied on to provide food to the capital. Dragons, who were said to breathe out water in Chinese philosophy, are also said to be able to control water. The waters of Jingu-ji are protected by more than just the temple itself. This is built into the foundation of every building in the Wakasa area.