Todai-ji
EasternBuddhisttempleEast Asia743 CE - 752 CE
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Location
Modern Name
Nara
Country
Japan
Region
East Asia
Coordinates
34.6889, 135.8397
Era
743 CE - 752 CE
Site Type
Temple
About
A monumental Buddhist temple complex in Nara housing the Daibutsu, a 15-meter bronze Great Buddha, housed in the world's largest wooden building.
Significance
The head temple of the Kegon school and formerly Japan's chief state temple (Todai-ji means 'Great Eastern Temple'); its Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) remains the largest wooden structure on earth.
History & Historical Arc
Commissioned by Emperor Shomu in 743 CE and completed in 752; burned twice (1180 and 1567) and rebuilt; the current hall…
Archaeological Notes
The original Daibutsuden was approximately 86m wide; the current building at 57m is still the world's largest wooden str…
Key Features & Structures
- Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall)
- Daibutsu (15m bronze Vairocana Buddha)
Visitor Information
Open daily; free-roaming deer share the grounds. Located in Nara Park, easily reached by train from Kyoto or Osaka.
Related Figures
Emperor ShomuEmpress KomyoMonk GyokiMonk Roben
In the Bible
Source References
- UNESCO World Heritage List #870
- Adolphson, Mikael. 'The Gates of Power: Monks, Courtiers, and Warriors in Premodern Japan' (2000)