The statue is said to have been used as a substitute for the retired emperor when the temple was set ablaze by Yoshinaka, and is at the center of the Fudo-e festival that is still held every November 15.
義仲の放火のさいに、上皇の身代わりとなったと伝えられており、現在も毎年11月15日には不動会（ふどうえ）がいとなまれる。