Todai-ji is a Buddhist temple complex in the city of Nara, Japan, once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples, founded in 738 CE though not opened until 752 CE in an attempt to imitate the much admired temples of Tang dynasty China. The temple has undergone several reconstructions, including a nineteenth century near collapse under the weight of its huge roof that was halted by restoration from 1904 to 1913 and a later rebuilding in steel framing between 1974 and 1980; its Great Buddha Hall houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, and the temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site among the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.
Cross-Tradition Connections
In Style
A landmark of Japanese traditional architecture.
Reader Challenges (0 open reader challenges)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.