Todaiji Temple Daibutsu Deer Park/Nara

Emperor Shomu promoted construction of provincial temples throughout Japan in order to eliminate social unrest of that time, such as repeated political changes and riots, with the power of Buddhism (idea of nation protection). On the other hand, the emperor decided to build a Great Buddha. As the principal image of Todaiji Temple, the construction of the world largest gilt bronze statue of Vairocana was started. In 752, the ceremony for opening the eyes of a newly-constructed image was conducted with great eclat.

◇ Vairocana means the sun or light in Sanskrit, and is the founder of Avatamsaka Sutra. Mahavairocana (Dainichi Nyorai) regarded as the Primordial Buddha of the universe in esoteric Buddhism in the Heian period is the Buddha developed from Vairocana.Read more