According to legend, in 807, when Kōbō Daishi was passing here, he was offered a ride on a cow. While riding, he noticed a hōshu (a Mani jewel) hanging in the branches of an old camphor tree. He immediately recognized it as the hōshu that he had thrown from China during his stay there. From the same tree Kōbō Daishi carved an image of Dainichi Nyorai, placed the jewel on its forehead, and established it as the honzon of the temple.

Whereas Temple 41 is dedicated to rice growing, this temple is dedicated to animal husbandry. The Nōkyōsho sells charms that will keep farm animals healthy.It's Goeika goes: "When even a tree and a blade of grass can be enlightened, Why not Asuras, hungry ghosts, animals, men, and heavenly bodies?" This points to Kōbō Daishi's belief that all creatures can be enlightened through the compassion and wisdom of Dainichi Nyorai.

Of interest is the belfry with a straw thatched roof and the row of statues representing the seven gods of luck (Shichifukujin) in the temple courtyard.