Buddhist temple
Tōdai-ji
東大寺（とうだいじ）
Nara, Nara Prefecture
A temple in Nara City where the Great Buddha Vairocana (Rushana Daibutsu), whose creation was vowed by Emperor Shōmu, is enshrined in the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden). Its teachings are rooted in Kegon, and within its grounds stand halls and gates such as the Hokkedō, the Nigatsudō, and the Nandaimon (Great South Gate), which convey a history continuing since the Nara period.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal image: Rushana Daibutsu (the Great Buddha Vairocana)
History and things to know
According to the official guide, amid continuing political upheavals and epidemics, Emperor Shōmu, wishing for the peace of the nation through the power of Buddhism, issued an imperial edict in Tenpyō 15 (743) to create the Great Buddha Vairocana. After the capital returned to Heijō-kyō, the work proceeded on the site of the temple 金鍾山寺; the body of the Buddha was cast in Tenpyō Shōhō 1 (749), and the eye-opening ceremony was held in Tenpyō Shōhō 4 (752). In honor of Emperor Shōmu, Gyōki, Rōben, and Bodhisena (Bodai Senna), it is also called the temple founded by the Four Sages (Shishō).
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
Opening hours, access, areas open to visitors, and events can change. Please check the latest guidance from the shrine or temple itself before you go.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 東大寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-21 確認）
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