Juichimen Kannon (1 of 3) (Skt: Ekadasamuhka)
The bodhisattva Kannon is the goddess of mercy and compassion. Kannon appears in many manifestations and answers the calls of sentient beings in a different form depending on the individual’s plea. Within the Treasure House at Kanzeonji Temple, there are several interpretations of Kannon, including Sho Kannon, Juichimen Kannon—the eleven-headed Kannon—and Bato Kannon, or horse-headed Kannon.
The one seen here is Juichimen, the eleven-headed Kannon. The main characteristic of Juichimen are the ten small heads above the deity’s primary head. The numerous heads enable Kannon to face all directions to perceive the suffering of sentient beings. This image dates to the thirteenth century. The sculpture is carved from wood and is the smallest statue in the Treasure House at 103 centimeters tall.