Nara's renowned tourist destination, Todai-ji Temple, is best known for its colossal 15-meter-tall statue of Buddha, commonly referred to as the "Great Buddha of Nara." Every year, numerous visitors from afar come to admire this immense statue. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, Todai-ji Temple has a rich history dating back to the Nara period, when Emperor Shomu fervently propagated Buddhism 1,200 years ago to pray for the stability of the nation and the well-being of its people.
Officially named "The Temple for the Defense of the Nation by Golden Light," Todai-ji has faced destruction twice due to wartime fires. The current Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) was reconstructed during the mid-Edo period in 1709, on a reduced scale from its original size.
Within the Daibutsuden stands the colossal statue known as the "Great Buddha of Nara" or "Rushana Buddha." The statue is awe-inspiring, measuring nearly 15 meters in height, with an additional 3-meter lotus pedestal, making the entire Buddha stand at an impressive 18 meters. The width of the statue exceeds 10 meters, showcasing its remarkable dimensions. Construction of this Buddha began in 745 AD, with the consecration ceremony held seven years later in 752 AD, infusing the Buddha with spiritual significance. The surviving portions of the pedestal, sleeves, and part of the feet date back to the original construction, while the majority of the body was reconstructed in the 12th century. The head was reconstructed in the 18th century.
One notable feature of the Great Buddha is the thin membrane structure between its fingers, known as the "man'nō-a," symbolizing the idea of "saving all living beings without letting a single drop of water leak." This unique characteristic adds a layer of intricacy to the spiritual and artistic significance of the statue.
Todai-ji Temple serves not only as a historical monument but also as a cultural and spiritual landmark that reflects the enduring legacy of Buddhism in Japan. The temple complex, including its beautiful surroundings and historical artifacts, offers visitors a profound glimpse into Japan's religious and architectural heritage.
For visitors, the journey to Todai-ji goes beyond witnessing an iconic statue; it's an opportunity to connect with the spiritual and historical essence of Japan, appreciating the resilience of cultural treasures that have withstood the tests of time. The sheer magnitude and intricate details of the Great Buddha make it a symbol of cultural richness, inviting travelers from around the world to immerse themselves in the profound beauty and spiritual significance of Todai-ji Temple.
奈良的著名旅遊勝地東大寺，以其高達15公尺的佛像聞名，俗稱「奈良大佛」。每年，許多遠道而來的遊客都慕名而來，欣賞這尊巨大的佛像。東大寺於1998年被聯合國教科文組織列為世界遺產，歷史可追溯到奈良時代，當時聖武天皇熱心於公元前1200年宣揚佛教，祈求國家穩定和人民幸福。
正式名稱為「金光明四天王護國之寺」的東大寺，在兩次戰火的摧毀後，於江戶時代中期的1709年以較小規模重新建造，成為現今的大佛殿。
在大佛殿中，矗立著被稱為「奈良大佛」或「盧舍那佛」的巨大佛像。這座佛像令人驚嘆，高約15公尺，再加上約3公尺的蓮花座，使整座佛像高達18公尺。佛像的寬度超過10公尺，展現其引人注目的巨大尺寸。這尊佛像的建造始於西元745年，並於7年後的752年舉行大佛開眼法會，為佛像灌注靈魂。現存的底座、袖子和腳的部分可以追溯到建造時期，而身體的大部分則是在12世紀時重建，頭部則是在18世紀時重新建造。
奈良大佛獨特的特色之一是手指間的薄膜結構，稱為「縵綱相」，象徵著「滴水不漏地解救云云眾生」的理念。這種獨特的特點增添了佛像的精神和藝術意義。
東大寺不僅是一個歷史悠久的紀念物，還是一個文化和精神地標，反映了佛教在日本的歷史。該寺廟的建築群、美麗的環境和歷史文物為遊客提供了深刻的日本宗教和建築遺產的一瞥。
對於遊客而言，前往東大寺的旅程不僅僅是見證一尊標誌性佛像的機會，更是一次與日本精神和歷史本質相連接的機會，欣賞那些經受住時間考驗的文化寶藏。奈良大佛的巨大和精緻的細節讓它成為文化豐富的象徵，吸引來自世界各地的旅行者，讓他們沉浸在東大寺寺的深厚之美和靈性意義中。
