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A statue depicting En no Gyoja, the founder of Shugendo, in the center, attended by his followers Zao Gongen and Kongo Zao, symbolizing mountain faith worship.
Seated in the center is En no Gyōja (also known as En no Ozuno), regarded as the founder of Shugendō, a spiritual practice that fuses Japan's ancient mountain worship traditions with Buddhism.
In his hands, he holds a shakujō—a staff topped with metal rings that serves as the symbol of ascetic practitioners.
Flanking him on either side are a married demon couple, Zenki and Goki, who are said to have served En no Gyōja.
Originally demons who preyed upon humans, they were transformed through the spiritual power of En no Gyōja, after which they became his devoted and loyal servants, according to tradition.
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