About
Bentendo, standing at the southern end of Ueno Onshi Park by the shore of Shinobazu Pond, was established during the Kan’ei era in the early Edo period by Jigen Daishi Tenkai Daishojo, the founder of the Tendai sect’s Toeizan Kaneiji Temple. Tenkai Daishojo regarded the natural Shinobazu Pond as Lake Biwa, likened a small island originally enshrining Shoten to Chikubushima, and, after consulting with Mizutani Ise-no-kami Katsutaka, greatly expanded the island and built a hall modeled after “Hogonji” on Chikubushima. (bentendo.kaneiji.jp)
The principal image of Bentendo is the Eight-Armed Benzaiten, who is widely worshipped as the guardian deity of music and the performing arts. Additionally, since her name can also be written as “Benzaiten,” she is believed to bring benefits such as increased financial fortune. (bentendo.kaneiji.jp)
Within the temple grounds, Daikokuten, who is said in legend to have been cherished by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, is also enshrined. (bentendo.kaneiji.jp)
Shinobazu Pond Bentendo has attracted the faith of many people since the Edo period and continues to be bustling with many worshippers today.