Nara Daibutsu
Nara Big Buddha
Constructed 752 AD
Birushana Buddha (Nyorai)
Located at Tōdaiji Temple 東大寺 in Nara, this bronze statue embodies Birushana Nyorai. Over the centuries, the statue (first cast in 752) has been damaged in various fires, natural disasters, and civil disturbances, but it has always been restored. Its appearance today, however, may not accurately represent its earlier magnificence. In the 9th century, an earthquake knocked off its head. In 1180 and again in 1567, its right hand was melted in accidental fires. The body of the statue was reconstructed in 1185, and the head rebuilt in 1692. At 15 meters (without pedestal) and weighing 250 tons, it is reportedly the largest gilt-bronze effigy in the world. The wooden structure that houses the statue — the Daibutsuden 大仏殿 (Great Buddha Hall) — is supposedly the world’s largest wooden building. The present-day hall dates to the early 18th century and is only 66% of its former size. Its rebuilding was completed in 1708 but the repair and replacement of its damaged interior statues was still underway in the 1750s.
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