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
- Head temple of the Kegon school (it studied six schools concurrently in the Nara period and has incorporated various schools since the Heian period)
- Principal Image
- Rushana Butsu (Vairocana Buddha). Known as the Great Buddha of Nara, the statue is about 14.7 m tall
- Founded
- In Tenpyo 15 (743) Emperor Shomu issued an edict to build the Great Buddha, and the eye-opening ceremony was held in Tenpyo-shoho 4 (752). The present Great Buddha Hall is a reconstruction of Hoei 6 (1709) in the Edo period
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
Blessings
Annual Events
- March
Shuni-e (Omizutori)
March 1–14. The representative event of Todaiji, begun by the priest Jitchu. It is a penitential service held at Nigatsudo, and the scene of torch flames dancing in the night sky is famous.
- April
Bussho-e (Flower Festival)
April 8. A service celebrating the birthday of the Buddha.
- May
Shomu Tenno Sai (Emperor Shomu Festival)
May 2–3. A festival commemorating Emperor Shomu, who founded Todaiji.
- August
Daibutsu Omi Nugui and Mandokuyoe (Great Buddha Cleaning and Lantern Memorial Service)
The Great Buddha is cleaned on August 7, and the Mandokuyoe lantern memorial service is held on August 15.
- October
Tengaie (Tengai Gate Ceremony)
October 5. An autumn event held in front of Tengaimon Gate.
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