Todaiji Temple

Tōdai-ji s a Buddhist temple complex that was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples, located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese as Daibutsu. The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon school of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara", together with seven other sites including temples, shrines and places in the city of Nara. Deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the grounds freely.

Photo b16, 1987

Todaiji Temple

The belfry, with large bell. The bronze bell was cast in 732 although the rest of the structure is from a later time.

Photo b14, 1987

Todaiji Temple

The belfry, with large bell. The bronze bell was cast in 732 although the rest of the structure is from a later time.

Photo b15, 1987

Todaiji Temple

The Sangatsudo (Third Month Hall),the temple's oldest building (a national treasure)

Photo b13, 1987

Todaiji Temple

The Sangatsudo (Third Month Hall),the temple's oldest building (a national treasure)

Photo b12, 1987

Todaiji Temple

The Great Buddha (Daibutsu) has been recast several times for various reasons, including earthquake damage. The current hands of the statue were made in the Momoyama Period (1568–1615), and the head was made in the Edo period (1615–1867).

Photo b21, 1987

Todaiji Temple

The Great Buddha (Daibutsu) has been recast several times for various reasons, including earthquake damage. The current hands of the statue were made in the Momoyama Period (1568–1615), and the head was made in the Edo period (1615–1867).

Photo b23, 1987

Todaiji Temple

Altar of Daibutsu showing his feet

Photo b19, 1987

Todaiji Temple

Statue to side of Daibutsu (there is one large one on each side)

Photo b22, 1987