Tidbits Quiz about Tōdai-ji: Questions related to the Great Buddha of Nara, too!
Speaking of Tōdai-ji, it’s the temple in Nara Prefecture famous for the enormous Great Buddha known as the Nara Daibutsu.
I’m sure many of you learned a lot about Tōdai-ji, one of Nara Prefecture’s signature sightseeing spots, in your school history classes.
In this article, in addition to the knowledge you might have learned at school, we’ll introduce trivia about Tōdai-ji and the Great Buddha in a quiz format—facts that many people may not know.
If you’re planning to visit Tōdai-ji or you’re from Nara Prefecture, knowing these tidbits might give you something to brag about to others.
Enjoy as you absorb some new knowledge!
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Trivia quiz about Tōdai-ji. Questions related to the Great Buddha of Nara too! (1–10)
What is the spiral hairstyle of the Great Buddha called?
- spiral coils of hair (often referring to the curls on Buddhist statues' heads)
- raden (mother-of-pearl inlay), traditional Japanese decorative inlay using shell to create shimmering designs
- flesh topknot
See the answer
spiral coils of hair (often referring to the curls on Buddhist statues' heads)
The hairstyle of the Great Buddha of Tōdai-ji is called “rahatsu” (spiral curls). This is said to be a sacred feature of a Buddha who has attained enlightenment. It is said that the Great Buddha of Tōdai-ji has 492 of these spiral curls.
What sect does Tōdai-ji belong to?
- Tendai Buddhism
- Shingon Buddhism
- Kegon school (Huayan school)
See the answer
Kegon school (Huayan school)
Tōdai-ji is regarded as the head temple of the Kegon school, which is counted as one of the Six Nara Schools. In the Great Buddha Hall of Tōdai-ji, the Great Buddha—designated a National Treasure—is enshrined and serves as a symbol of the temple.
Who issued the edict to construct Tōdai-ji?
- Emperor Tenmu
- Emperor Shōmu
- Emperor Kōnin
See the answer
Emperor Shōmu
The edict to construct Tōdai-ji was issued by Emperor Shōmu. Seeking national peace and the protection of Buddhism, he ordered the creation of this vast temple, and the Great Buddha of Tōdai-ji was also made at Emperor Shōmu’s behest.
Trivia quiz about Tōdai-ji: Questions related to the Great Buddha of Nara too! (11–20)
How many meters tall is the Great Buddha of Tōdai-ji?
- 14.98m
- 16.2m
- 18.45m
See the answer
14.98m
The Great Buddha of Tōdai-ji is a seated statue, yet it stands 14.98 meters tall. This is extraordinarily large for a statue housed inside a building, and the Great Buddha Hall itself is also one of the largest wooden structures in the world.
In which century was Tōdai-ji built?
- 6th century
- 7th century
- 8th century
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8th century
Tōdaiji was founded in the Nara period, that is, in the 8th century. It is a massive Buddhist temple established by Emperor Shōmu with prayers for the protection of the nation. It is one of Nara Prefecture’s most iconic tourist destinations and attracts many visitors.
How many tons of copper were used for the Great Buddha of Tōdai-ji?
- approximately 120 tons
- approximately 250 tons
- about 500 tons
See the answer
about 500 tons
It is said that about 500 tons of copper were used for the Great Buddha of Tōdai-ji. It is also said that as much as 400 kilograms of gold were used. The scale and technical prowess involved in creating this statue convey the high level of sculptural technology in Japan at that time to the present day.
What is the annual cleaning of the Great Buddha called?
- The Great Master's Face Washing
- purification of the body
- Buddha statue bath
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purification of the body
The cleaning ceremony for the Great Buddha of Tōdai-ji is called “Ominugui.” This event takes place every year on August 7, and many people visit to watch the temple monks and staff purify and clean the Great Buddha.