The Todai-ji Temple is the headquaters of the Kegon sect of Buddhism and it was founded at the wish of the Emperor Shomu (reignd 724-749).

A small pox epidemic broke out in 737 and we incurred a heavy loss of life throughout the empire. The Emperor Shomu ordered provincial leaders to build state temples in order to appease Buddha and pray that Shi-Tenno would keep the country stable. After the construction of those temples, in spite of his wish, the nation crumbled.

The Todai-ji Temple was the head temple, and the biggest temple of the mid-8th century. This is why so many Buddhist images of those days still remain in this temple.

Originally this temple was a multiple facility; it was used (1) for study, like a university (2) for prayer to Buddha for peace (3) for healing the sick, like a hospital (4) for discussion of politics, the national economy and international relations, and (5) as a treasure house of contemporary Buddhist art. It was the most advanced cultural center in Japan.

Later the Todai-ji Temple was twice a victim of war, in 1180 an din 1567. On both occasions many buildings except the Sangatsu-do Hall and the Tegai-mon Gate were burnt down.

The Daibutsu-den (eGreat Buddha Hallf) that we can see today was reconstructed in 1709, on a scale of about two-thirds of its original size, nevertheless, it is still the largest wooden building in the world. The Great Statue of the Buddha has also undergone various repairs from time to time, but it remains the largest bronze statue in the world, and is widely admired and worshiped as the Great Buddha of Nara.

The new government was established in 1868 after the end of Japan's 200 year period of isolation, and set out to abolish buddhism. As a result, the number of Buddhist monks decreased, and now there are only 30 monks in this temple. However,it was said that 3,000 priests usually studied here in the mid-8th century.

The Todai-ji Temple has about 40 branch temples in all. They are mainly in Western Japan, but also exist in Hawaii and Brazil.