14 Syoukyou Kannon

This Kannon originated in India. Called Nīlakantha in Sanskrit, the name means “bluish black throat.” In ancient times, gods and demi-gods (Ashura) stirred the oceans with the power of a dragon in order to seek an elixir of immortality. Poison spewed from the dragon’s mouth and turned into an ocean of milk, and the world was on the brink of burning up.

Nīlakantha drank up the poison and saved humanity, causing her throat to turn black in the process. This work by Rakuzan Takahashi holds a lotus flower in a water bottle in the right hand while facing forward with an expression of compassion. This Kannon protects us from disasters by drinking them up and sacrificing herself on our behalf.

Unusually, this statue is considerably dirtier relative to the others in the cave, so perhaps that is the result of saving so many visitors from harm? Given its name and the appearance of the face, we have deliberately kept this piece intact without wiping it to suggest that aspect of Kannon consuming corruption for us.