Todai-ji Temple Lucky 7 - Nara, Japan
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denben
N 34° 41.115 E 135° 50.142
53S E 576550 N 3838457
The Nara Lucky 7 features 8 waymarks within 0.34 miles from the center point with a tally of 8.
Waymark Code: WM17P6F
Location: Nara, Japan
Date Posted: 03/18/2023
Views: 2
Todai-ji (Eastern Great Temple) is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. It is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara.
The temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan and grew so powerful that the capital was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 in order to lower the temple's influence on government affairs.
Until recently, Todaiji's main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), held the record as the world's largest wooden building, despite the fact that the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple hall's size. The massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). The 15 meters tall, seated Buddha represents Vairocana and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas.
Several smaller Buddhist statues and models of the former and current buildings are also on display in the Daibutsuden Hall. Another popular attraction is a pillar with a hole in its base that is the same size as the Daibutsu's nostril. It is said that those who can squeeze through this opening will be granted enlightenment in their next life.
Along the approach to Todaiji stands the Nandaimon Gate, a large wooden gate watched over by two fierce looking statues. Representing the Nio Guardian Kings, the statues are designated national treasures together with the gate itself. Temple visitors will also encounter some deer from the adjacent Nara Park, begging for shika senbei, special crackers for deer that are sold on the site.
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