23 Ruri Kannon

The origin of the name of this Kannon and a definitive narrative about the blessings she grants are unknown. She is also known as the “incense Kannon” for the incense burner she holds in one hand. One theory states that this Kannon has a deep relationship with dragons, and this Kannon has a deep connection with water. For instance, there are records in the Ming Xiang Xi (Records of Mysterious Manifestations, dating to the Six Dynasties period of China) that when an enemy attacked a ship and it was engulfed in fire, or when a ship was on the verge of sinking due to a storm, continuously shouting Kannon’s name saved the crew from disaster, and this was followed by a wonderful scent drifting on the surface of the water. This Kannon is generally associated with blessings that prolong life, repel evil spirits, and aid in exorcism.