Keyser Söze by Lanz Khan - Todai-ji, Nara, Japan - Immortalized in Lyrics on Waymarking.com

The temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan and grew so powerful that the capital was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 in order to lower the temple's influence on government affairs.

Until recently, Todaiji's main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), held the record as the world's largest wooden building, despite the fact that the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple hall's size. The massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). The 15 meters tall, seated Buddha represents Vairocana and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas.

Several smaller Buddhist statues and models of the former and current buildings are also on display in the Daibutsuden Hall. Another popular attraction is a pillar with a hole in its base that is the same size as the Daibutsu's nostril. It is said that those who can squeeze through this opening will be granted enlightenment in their next life.

Along the approach to Todaiji stands the Nandaimon Gate, a large wooden gate watched over by two fierce looking statues. Representing the Nio Guardian Kings, the statues are designated national treasures together with the gate itself. Temple visitors will also encounter some deer from the adjacent Nara Park, begging for shika senbei, special crackers for deer that are sold on the site.

Todaiji's grounds are spacious and cover most of northern Nara Park, including a number of smaller temple halls and sites of interest around the Daibutsuden Hall.

Here are some of the other attractions that can be found in the Todaiji temple complex: Todaiji Museum, Nigatsudo Hall, Hokkedo Hall, Kaidanin Temple, Shosoin Storehouse.

Sources: (visit link) and (visit link)

Musician: Lanz Khan Name of Song: Keyser Söze Relevant Verse: Napoleonico quando sto sul microfono / Lancio il tuo disco a casa di Cristo come un discobolo / Voglio una statua dorata tipo TODAI-JI / Il piombo uccide la penna, chiedi a Tobagi // Translation: Napoleonic when I'm on the mic / I throw your puck at Christ's house like a discus thrower / I want a golden statue like TODAI-JI / Lead kills the pen, ask Tobagi Location website: [Web Link]

Visit Instructions:
There are no specific requirements for logging a waymark. You are, however, encouraged to include any funny or interesting pictures of your visit.

Recent Visits/Logs:

There are no logs for this waymark yet.