Todai-ji Buddha Statue (Todai-ji, Nara)

Todai-ji is located in Nara City, Japan, and is an important Buddhist temple as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most famous statue here is the "Great Buddha" (Vairocana Buddha, known in Japanese as "Nara Daibutsu"), which symbolizes the religious and artistic achievements of Japan's Nara period.

🏯 Overview of the Buddha Statue
• Name: Vairocana Buddha
• Dimensions: The statue is approximately 15 meters tall (18 meters including the base), making it one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world.
• Material: Made of bronze, the statue is hollow inside and can be entered for viewing (queue required).
• Construction Date: Originally built in 752, the statue has undergone multiple restorations.
• Function: Represents the illumination of Buddhist teachings and world peace.

🧭 Main Highlights
1. Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall)
• One of the largest wooden structures in the world, capable of housing the entire Buddha statue.
• The hall is majestic, with intricate details on the ceiling, pillars, and carvings.
2. Statue Details
• The Buddha holds a dharma wheel gesture, with a serene and compassionate expression.
• The Buddha's head is larger than a human's, and its ears are 2 meters long, symbolizing wisdom and compassion.
3. Surrounding Statues
• Flanked by Nio guardian statues, which protect the temple.
• Other statues and reliefs inside the hall showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of the Nara period.