What it was
Founded in the 8th century by Emperor Shomu as head of the state’s provincial temple network, it saw its colossal bronze Great Buddha consecrated in 752. It is the headquarters of the Kegon school.
Role
The Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden), traditionally counted the world’s largest wooden building, burned in the wars of 1180 and 1567 and was rebuilt; the present hall dates to 1709 and is smaller than the original.
The nearby Shosoin repository preserves 8th-century imperial treasures, including Silk Road artifacts. The Omizutori water-drawing rite at its Nigatsu-do hall has been held annually for over 1,250 years.
Fate
Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage in 1998 among the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, it is today a major pilgrimage and tourist site amid Nara’s deer park.