DISCOVER FUKUI

It is said that Benzaiten Hakuryu-o Daigongen was enshrined within the precincts of a branch temple of Hakusan Heisenji Shrine, which was founded in 717 (the first year of the Yoro era) during the Nara period by the great monk Taicho. In 1574 (the second year of the Tenshō era) during the Warring States period, Hakusan Heisenji Shrine suffered severe damage from the fires of the Ikkō Ikki uprising, and Benzaiten was also destroyed. However, after the war, Mr. Asai, a lumber merchant from Osaka, received a divine revelation in a dream and vowed to rebuild the shrine. Many worshippers visit from all over the country seeking its blessings for prosperous business. Legend has it that a white snake—the divine object of the shrine—lives within the sacred rock (Iwaza) on the grounds, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of it. It has also appeared in a popular anime, making it a hot topic!