Great Buddha Hall

Great Buddha Hall

Todai-ji Daibutsuden

東大寺大仏殿

Nara, Japan

Built: 752

Reconstruction: 1195

Reconstruction: 1709 (Current)

Modern Renovations: 1904–1913, 1974–1980 (Steel framing added)

Edict/Commission: Emperor Shoumu (752)

Reconstruction: Monk Chougen (1195)

Reconstruction: Monk Koukei [公慶] (1709)

Nara Period (710 to 794)

Edo Period (1603 to 1868)

34.689024899226105, 135.8398911132032

Timber (Japanese Cypress, Japanese Cedar, Red Pine)

Ceramic Roof Tiles and ornaments

Stone for base, platforms, base

Metals (Bronze and Gold) for Great Buddha Statue

Steel and Iron Reinforcements

Building: 48.74 meters tall, 57 meters wide, 50 meters deep.

Buddha Statue: 15 Meters tall

Religious

Original: Tang Dynasty (Chinese Architecture)

Reconstruction: Song Dynasty Inspired (Chinese Architecture)

Reconstruction: Edo Architecture (Japanese Style) (Current) Daibutsuyou

The Great Buddha Hall is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world, that serves as the heart of Todai-ji complex. It houses the largest bronze depiction of the Vairocana Buddha. Slightly smaller than its original form. Two layers of hip and gable roof covered in ceramic roof tile, separated by a floor of ornate brown wooden rafters and white plaster walls. The top most roof ridge is decorated with two gilded bronze fish ornaments. The bottom floor is larger, with massive wooden doors, white plaster walls, and lattices that open up to reveal the great buddha's face. A monument to the endurance of the Japanese spirit. This complex has been rebuilt from fires, earthquakes, war, abandonment, etc.

Image 1:Todai-ji Daibutsu-den Hall National Treasure 国宝東大寺大仏殿60.JPG (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Todai-ji_Daibutsu-den_Hall_National_Treasure_%E5%9B%BD%E5%AE%9D%E6%9D%B1%E5%A4%A7%E5%AF%BA%E5%A4%A7%E4%BB%8F%E6%AE%BF60.JPG)
Image 2:IMG_1794.JPG
Image 3:IMG_1783.JPG

Image 1: Creative Commons
Image 2: Me
Image 3: Me

Waldemar Barrios