Todai-ji at Nara Park

The temple situated within the vicinity of Nara Park, Todai-ji, was founded in year 738 CE. Also known as the "Great Eastern Temple", this temple houses one of the 3 Great Buddha statue in Japan, where another 2 is situated in Kamakura and Takaoka. It was also designated as the UNESCO World Heritage as the Historic Monument of Ancient Nara. When Buddhism spread into Japan, several temples were constructed and this temple was constructed by the order of Emperor Shomu. At that time, all licensed monks who received their education in Tang China, have to receive their ordination here after they returned, including Kukai (inventor of hiragana from kanji) and Saicho (the founder of Tendai sect of Buddhism). Nara, being the centre of politics and religion during that time, makes Todai-ji an important location for ordination ceremonies for highly respected monks. #celebratewithtrip #tripblazers