The 82nd temple on the Shikoku 88 pilgrimage Negoro-ji 根香寺 (Fragrant Root Temple) is reminiscent of the very first temple in Tokushima, Ryōzen-ji. With beautiful lanterns tucked away deep inside the heart of the complex the temple has its fair share of sights to discover. A folk legend tells of a terrible ox demon who ate local people and their livestock. A skilled archer called Takasaya, entrusted with the task of stopping the monster did so with just three arrows. He brought the ox demon’s horns to this temple and a ceremony was held to enshrine his soul. A statue of the demon stands as a charm to ward off other demons.
Another important artifact at the temple is a statue of Godai, which represents the five elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Void, said to have been one of the items Kōbō Daishi used to establish the temple during the Kōnin era (810 to 824). A Mandai (many-featured) Kannon statue is located close to the Hondō main building towards the top of the grounds.