Great Buddha Hall
title: Todai-ji Daibutsuden
title: 東大寺大仏殿
description: 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.
creator: Edict/Commission: Emperor Shoumu (752)
creator: Reconstruction: Monk Chougen (1195)
creator: Reconstruction: Monk Koukei [公慶] (1709)
source: 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
date: Built: 752
date: Reconstruction: 1195
date: Reconstruction: 1709 (Current)
date: Modern Renovations: 1904–1913, 1974–1980 (Steel framing added)
contributor: Waldemar Barrios
format: Original: Tang Dynasty (Chinese Architecture)
format: Reconstruction: Song Dynasty Inspired (Chinese Architecture)
format: Reconstruction: Edo Architecture (Japanese Style) (Current) Daibutsuyou
language: Nara, Japan
type: Religious