Daian-ji, Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan
Daian-ji is a Buddhist temple in Nara that occupies several city blocks on what was once the left side of the ancient capital Heijo-kyo. Foundation stones of two former pagodas mark the southern portion of the grounds, showing where towers once stood.
The temple was relocated from Heguri to its present site during the Nara period and joined the group known as the Seven Great Temples. This move placed it at the heart of religious life in the capital during the eighth century.
Nine Bodhisattva statues from the Tenpyo period remain at the temple, including wooden sculptures of the Eleven-faced Kannon and Four Heavenly Kings.
The temple opens every day from 9 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon, charging 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for students. Visitors can view several Tenpyo-period statues inside the main hall after paying the entrance fee.
The temple holds a Bamboo Memorial ceremony on June 23rd each year, when bamboo plays a ritual role in the proceedings. On January 23rd, priests conduct traditional blessing ceremonies that include serving ceremonial sake to participants who gather from around the region.
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