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Japan Sacred Spots

Todaiji

奈良県奈良市雑司町406-1View on map

Map

The internationally famous home of the Great Buddha of Nara (Rushanabutsu, approximately 15 meters tall), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world.

Temple Info

Sect
華厳宗大本山(奈良時代は六宗兼学、平安時代以降は諸宗を包含)
Principal Image
盧舎那仏(るしゃなぶつ)。「奈良の大仏」として知られ、像高約14.7m
Founded
天平15年(743年)に聖武天皇が大仏造立の詔を発し、天平勝宝4年(752年)に開眼供養が行われた。現在の大仏殿は宝永6年(1709年)の江戸時代の再建

History & Origins

Founded by Emperor Shomu in 728 CE, Todaiji became the center of a network of provincial temples and convents (kokubunji and kokubunniji) established throughout the country. The casting of the Great Buddha took more than a decade to complete.

Highlights

The Great Buddha Hall and the colossal Rushanabutsu statue, the Kongo Rikishi statues (National Treasures) at Nandaimon Gate, the night view from Nigatsudo Hall, and the freely roaming deer in Nara Park are beloved by visitors of all ages.

Visitor Guide

Located within Nara Park, where you can stroll among deer. A popular activity for children is squeezing through the hole in one of the hall's supporting pillars, said to be the same size as the Great Buddha's nostril.

Best Season

Spring for cherry blossoms and autumn for fall foliage, though the temple is worth visiting at any time of year.

Attributes

Five Elements
Lineage
真言宗
Deity / Principal Image
太陽の神
Spiritual
守護

Annual Events

  • 3月

    修二会(お水取り)

    3月1〜14日。実忠和尚によって始められた東大寺の代表行事。二月堂で行われる悔過法要で、松明の炎が夜空に舞う情景が有名

  • 4月

    仏生会(花まつり)

    4月8日。お釈迦様の誕生日を祝う法要

  • 5月

    聖武天皇祭

    5月2〜3日。東大寺を創建した聖武天皇を偲ぶ祭典

  • 8月

    大仏お身拭い・万灯供養会

    8月7日に大仏のお身拭い、8月15日に万灯供養会を実施

  • 10月

    転害会

    10月5日。転害門前で行われる秋の行事