Visit Japan Web Todaiji
Visit Japan Web invites you to explore Todaiji, located at the base of Mount Wakakusa. Established around 752, it served as the primary temple of the Kokubunji national system of monasteries. During the Heian period, it was a hub for studying hasshū It’s a diverse teachings of the eight prominent schools of Buddhism in Japan at that time. It continues to be the main temple of the Kegon sect, one of the eight traditions.
At the heart of the Todaiji complex is the Daibutsuden Hall, which houses the Great Buddha of Nara. The hall has suffered fire damage multiple times throughout its history, and the existing structure dates back to 1709. Standing at 48 meters high, 57 meters long, and 50 meters wide, it is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Both the hall and the Great Buddha inside are national treasures.
The Great Buddha of Nara stands 15 meters high, making it one of the largest such images in the world. It is a depiction of the Roshana Buddha, also known as Biroshana or Vairochana in Sanskrit. It is the so-called cosmic Buddha or “great illuminator” who shines mercy upon the earth. The statue is normally unnoticeable from view from the outside. But at certain times of the year a special window overlooking the sando and central gate will open to reveal the face of the Buddha.
The Great Buddha that stands today represents reconstruction work spanning four periods of Japanese history. The chest and base were built in the Nara period. The upper body were built in Warring States period.
