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Tōdai Temple, monumental Japanese temple and centre of the Kegon sect of Japanese Buddhism, located in Nara. The main buildings were constructed between 745 and 752 ce under the emperor Shōmu and marked the adoption of Buddhism as a state religion.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Tōdai-ji (東大寺, Todaiji temple, "Eastern Great Temple") is a Buddhist temple complex that was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples, located in the city of Nara, Japan. The construction of the temple was an attempt to imitate Chinese temples from the much-admired Tang dynasty .
- Daibutsuden
- The Buddha Statue
- Other Buildings
The Buddhist temple of Todaiji in Nara was originally commissioned by Emperor Shomu (r. 724-749 CE) but was not actually opened until 752 CE. The complex would not be entirely finished until 798 CE. It stood to the east of the imperial palace, hence its name 'Great Eastern Temple'. The purpose of the Todaiji was to act as the headquarters of a nati...
The Daibutsuden has to be big because it contains a 15-metre (49 ft) high cast bronze statue of a seated Buddha, the largest such statue in the world and weighing in at around 500 tons. It is a representation of Dainichi Nyorai (aka Birushana, Roshana Butsu or Vairocana), most important deity of the Kegon sect, with his right hand raised in the ges...
Other buildings at Todaiji include the Nandaimon (Great South Gate), rebuilt in 1195 CE, with its two 8-metre high (26 ft) figures of Nio guardians. Carved in wood, they were added in 1203 CE and are typical of Heian Periodsculpture. There is the Shoro (Belfry), which has the second largest bell in Japan, the Nigatsudo (Second Month Hall), and the ...
- Mark Cartwright
Mar 29, 2021 · Located in the capital Nara, the main buildings of the Todai-ji temple complex were constructed between 745 and 752 BC under Emperor Shōmu, a devout Buddhist, marking the adoption of Buddhism as state religion.
When completed in the 740s, Tōdai-ji (or “Great Eastern Temple”) was the largest building project ever on Japanese soil. Its creation reflects the complex intermingling of Buddhism and politics in early Japan.
- I agree, it is reversed. Another fun way to remember is in Japanese HIRAGANA (alphabet), "Ah" sound is the first letter. "N" sound is the last lett...
- I believe the u is correct. Thanks for pointing this out.
- Since it was rebuilt several times(in 12th, 17th centuries and more), Todai-ji must've used up much more woods than it seems to have.
- Manhole covers are "covered" in this article: https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2014/03/the-beauty-of-japans-artistic-manhole-covers/
When completed in the 740s, Tōdai-ji (or “Great Eastern Temple”) was the largest building project ever on Japanese soil. Its creation reflects the complex intermingling of Buddhism and politics in early Japan.
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Feb 15, 2021 · The temple, named "Todai-ji" (東大寺) for its location in eastern Heijo-kyo (the then-capital), became one of Japan's largest and serves as the main temple of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. It's also famous for the water-drawing ceremony at Nigatsu-do Hall, which signals the start of spring in Nara.
