The Tenbun Hokke Disturbance occurred due to escalating tensions between the Tendai sect, represented by the monks of Enryaku-ji temple, and the Nichiren sect. The Nichiren sect, founded by Nichiren Daishonin, advocated a strict interpretation of Buddhism, emphasizing the Lotus Sutra and attracting a considerable following. This positioned them against the established Tendai tradition, which held significant political and religious influence in Kyoto. Conflicts between these two sects increased in the early 16th century, leading to hostilities over congregation rights and territorial claims within the city and surrounding provinces.

On August 13, 1536, Enryaku-ji monks executed a coordinated attack, igniting 21 Nichiren temples throughout Kyoto. The decision to set fire to these structures was grounded in the monks' desire to maintain their supremacy in the region and curb the rising popularity of Nichiren teachings. The flames engulfed not only places of worship but also the socio-religious order in Kyoto, manifesting in physical destruction and a climate of fear as tensions escalated throughout the city.

The aftermath of this incident saw retaliatory actions by Nichiren followers and further entrenchment of sectarian divides. Rumors and reports of violence spread, complicating relations between different Buddhist factions, and instigating deeper rivalries that would influence the political landscape of Kyoto for years to come, intertwining with the ongoing shifts in power during the Sengoku period. This event is a stark example of how religious belief and institutional power can intertwine, leading to significant socio-political upheaval.