Tōdai-ji Daibutsu, Buddhist bronze statue in Great Buddha Hall, Nara, Japan.
Description
Tōdai-ji Daibutsu is a bronze Buddha statue in the Great Buddha Hall of Nara, regarded as one of the largest such figures in Japan. The surface shows the sheen and patina of copper, while the facial features appear calm and directed downward.
History
Emperor Shomu ordered the construction in 745, and completion followed seven years later with a ceremony attended by thousands of monks. Later damage from fire led to several restorations, with parts from different eras existing side by side today.
Culture
The figure carries the name Rushana Butsu and embodies for visitors a specific form of Buddhist teaching, visible in the hand position and seated posture. The space around the statue allows viewing from different angles, with many people pausing quietly in front of it.
Practical
The visit takes place inside the hall, where light is subdued and the setting invites calm. Photography without flash is permitted in certain spots, while tripods are not allowed.
Did you know?
A wooden pillar in the hall has a hole at the base through which visitors can crawl, considered a good luck charm. This hole is said to match the measurements of the statue's nostril.
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