The engi, or the official history of the temple, recorded that the temple was founded by Prince Shotoku, in the 6th century.
Present-day buildings of this temple were mainly built by Toyotomi Hideyori in the 17th century. Hideyori was a son of Toyotomi Hideyoshi who unified Japan in the 16th century.
Objects of worship
The principal object of worship (shintai) at the temple is a Jūichimen Kannon, or the Goddess of Mercy with eleven heads. It is believed the Kannon has the power to give babies and an easy delivery.