Todaiji, located in Nara City, is widely praised both domestically and internationally for its history and cultural value as the root temple of Japanese Buddhism.
Overview of Todaiji Temple
Todaiji is the head temple of the Kegon sect in Nara Prefecture.
In 743, Emperor Shomu built a gigantic seated statue of Rushanabutsu (Rushanabutsuzazo *Great Buddha), and it began as a Sokokubunji temple where it was enshrined. In addition to serving as a protector of the state, Todaiji was required to widely study Buddhist doctrine.
It is said that an organization was set up to study six sects (Nanto Six Sects) such as Kegon, Hosso, and Sanron, and as a temple that studied the six sects, it functioned as what we would now call a national university.
Nandaimon
Nandaimon is an important structure that decorates the entrance to Todaiji Temple.
Of particular note is the Nio statue, which is known as a national treasure.
This Nio statue was destroyed in a typhoon during the Heian period, and was rebuilt in the Kamakura period.
Kongorikishi statue
Daibutsuden(Great Buddha Hall)
The Daibutsuden of Todaiji Temple is a symbol of Japanese Buddhist culture.
The Daibutsuden was completed in the 4th year of the Tenpyo Shoho era, and after being burnt down and rebuilt, it still stands today.
This building, erected by Emperor Shomu’s edict, represents the history of Japan and Buddhism.
Its reconstruction was accomplished through the efforts of many people, including Chogen and Kokei Shonin.
Rushanabutsu
It is a gigantic Buddha statue approximately 15 meters high and weighs approximately 500 tons, and is known as one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world.
Basic information about “Todaiji ”
| Info | Todaiji ■Location 406-1 Zoshicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture ■Business hours April-October: 7:30-17:30 November-March: 8:30-17:00 ■Fees Adult: 600 yen Elementary school students: 300 yen *Group discount available ■Inquiries Tel:0742-22-5511 ■Website https://www.todaiji.or.jp/ |
| Map |
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