My trip to Nara started on a cool and clear morning. The weather was perfect for an adventurous spree ahead so the first spot I decided to give a shot was the Todai-ji temple. Known for its wholesome architecture and natural views, Todai-ji proved to be one of the most scenic places I have visited till now.
As you near the Todai-ji temple, you can sense the intricacies of nature and history shaking hands. Although there was no rain, I could see almost all the visitors equipped with their umbrellas.
Related: I Visited Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple in Winter
Tōdai-Ji Temple: One of the Most Scenic Buddhist Temple in Nara
One of the most iconic sights when one enters the Todai-ji temple is its heavily carved wooden gate. By only looking at it, you can tell that its heavy wood carved with expert hands to give one a flashback into the historical events that kept taking place.
The Charming Deer of Nara
Once you enter the gate, the most pleasant surprise is the freely roaming deer. Frequenting the place, these deer are super human-friendly and do not hesitate to ask for treats from their visitor friends.
As I started to walk inside the temple, one of the deer came and gently nudged my hand to ask for a treat. I couldn’t help but offer him what I got. During the interaction, I could spot a lot of kids giggling, playing with the deer and offering them food that they joyfully snatched from the little kids’ hands.
An interesting point to note about these endearing deer is the belief that they are the messengers of Gods who are roaming among people to guide them.
Awe-Inspiring Nandaimon Gate and Daibutsuden
After getting done with the deer’s demands, I headed towards the gigantic Nandaimon Gate. It’s an architectural masterpiece with huge pillars carved with old scriptures. The gate has two fierce-looking guards—Two massive statues called the Nio guardians. These statues are believed to be the protectors of the Todai-ji temple.
It was an awe-inspiring experience to look at the Nio guardians as they stand 7-m tall with rippling muscles and expressions that could not only keep the demons away but also stop the burglars in their tracks.
The Nio guardians are a frequent sculpture type throughout Japanese Buddhist temples.
They are mostly present in pairs with the two statues having entirely opposite expressions. One of them will always have a closed mouth while the other will be much more life-like and horrific with an opened mouth and an angry expression.
Moving further, I was greeted by the sight of the Daibutsuden, or the Great Buddha Hall. This is one of the most significant wooden buildings in the world. The hall itself is a masterpiece of architecture. Vast wooden beams and traditional Japanese design. The roof, with its elegant curves, seemed to reach towards the sky.
Another interesting architectural piece this hall houses is the largest bronze statue of Buddha Vairocana, known as Daibutsu.
This statue has been a part of the temple since its inception, but it has been rebuilt several times due to Japan’s history of natural calamities and epidemics.
The current Daibutsu was rebuilt in 1692 after damage.
Exploring the Treasures Within
As I stepped inside the Daibutsuden, the first thing that caught my attention was the 15 meters tall statue of the great Buddha. Its lotus-seated position draws you in the serenity of the scene and your first glance will become an awe-struck stare as you get fixated over the details of this huge statue.
On each side of the great Buddha statue, there’s a Bodhisattva who stands as the attendant. They remind the believers of the path of enlightenment they can take by following Buddha.
Wandering through the temple, I spotted several other statues with their unique history and spiritual value. One of the highlights was the intricate wooden model of the temple complex. It showed how it looked during different periods of its history. This model provided a fascinating glimpse into the architectural evolution of the temple. It had detailed representations of the various structures that have stood on this site over the centuries. I spent quite some time appreciating the skill and craftsmanship that went into creating it.
Another striking feature inside the temple was the statue of Binzuru, a disciple of Buddha known for his healing powers. Visitors were gently touching the statue. The statue stood as a testament to the enduring power of belief.
At the temple, Big Buddha Hall stands out with its stunning golden roof cap. It was covered in shiny gold leaf and glimmered in the sunlight. This beautiful feature isn’t just about looks—it holds deep meaning in Japanese culture and Buddhist traditions. Standing there, I felt amazed by its beauty and the sense of peace it brings, making my visit to Nara’s spiritual heart even more memorable.
Besides the statues, I also found ancient scriptures, scrolls from the past, and carved ceramics that each have a unique story to tell.
I was particularly struck by the collection of ancient wooden statues. Each one depicted different figures from Buddhist lore. Their expressive faces and detailed attire seemed to come to life as I studied them. The delicate carving and calm expression of the statue were mesmerizing.
Roaming around the temple, I encountered many calligraphic and painting exhibits. Being in the spiritual setting of Todai-ji, these paintings and calligraphies are a tribute to the Buddhist belief system.
The Suzu-no-shiro Bell and Nigatsu-do Hall
Besides all the sculptures and paintings that I have viewed till now, one thing that again hooked me was the gigantic bronze Bell ‘Suzo-no-Shiro’. With detailed designs etched on the surface of this bell, I can safely say that it is one of the most iconic testament to craftsmanship and spirituality at the same time.
At this point, I could feel the spirituality and the architectural finesse of Todai-ji temple in all its glory.
Although I started to get tired, the last place I wanted to visit due to its fame was Todai-ji’s sub-temple ‘Nigatsu-do Hall’.
It is a hilltop temple site which gives the visitors a panoramic view of Nara city.
Nara city which is laced with old and modern architecture alike. The visitors can enjoy the garden views from the Niagtsu-do hall situated outside the Todai-ji temple.
The visit to the Todai-ji temple was one that will be etched in my memory for the years to come as I experienced the finest details of Buddhist spirituality along with the architectural genius in the form of woodcrafting.
