Daibutsuden

Daibutsuden, literally meaning “Great Buddha Hall,” is a term used for the main hall of a Buddhist temple that houses a large statue of the Buddha. The most famous Daibutsuden is the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple in Nara, Japan, renowned for its size, history, and religious significance.

Todaiji was established in the 8th century under Emperor Shōmu as a state-sponsored temple intended to promote Buddhism and protect the nation. The temple houses the Daibutsu, a colossal bronze statue of Vairocana Buddha, cast in the 8th century. The statue and the hall were central to the period's state Buddhist program, and the hall was designed to accommodate the monumental statue and the accompanying ceremonial functions.

The present Daibutsuden building at Todaiji dates largely from the early 18th century, having been rebuilt after a major fire. It is considered one of the largest wooden structures in the world and remains a prominent example of traditional Japanese temple architecture. The interior of the hall contains the Daibutsu and related statues and ritual objects, and it continues to be a focal point of worship, as well as a major cultural and tourist site.

Todaiji, including the Daibutsuden, is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple complex also preserves other important buildings and artifacts related to both its religious function and its role in Japanese history.