When this statue was designated as an important cultural property of Japan, it was registered as Senju Kannon (Thousand Armed Kannon), but according to the temple’s legend it is Bato Kannon (Horse Headed Kannon) (Hayagriva). It is ordinarily kept hidden in　Inanaki Hall of this temple and is available to the public view in March only. Though some portions were repaired later, original condition of its body shows an air of dignity which is a characteristic of sculptures created in the Tenpyo period. It is common that Bato Kannon has a horse-shaped head on its head, with angry face, but this statue does not have such a horse head. Instead, a snake wraps around the Yoraku (Neckless patterns) ornament on the breast as well as around the ankles, and a fell is worn around the waist. This statue seems to have been made before the Giki period, so it may be considered to be an early figure of Bato Kannon. Bato Kannon has been believed to expel every evil and rid people of disaster. It is called also as Bato Myo-o (Horse Headed King of Wisdom) or Bato Daishi and was considered later a guardian deity for cows and horses. Horse was a synonym for vigor and forcefulness, so this Bato Kannon’s face is fierce thunder look. It was an object of people’s prayer for the state of perfect health. It is said that the Omamori (Charm) originating from Bato Kannon of Daianji was passed down at the Tokugawa family in Kishu (Wakayama Pref.), and this charm is believed to ward off bad luck and evil spirits. (Special Exhibition: March 1 ? March 31)