Divine Messengers

Nara Deer Park
October 9, 2014
JTB Tour 2

Considered messengers of the gods, the deer wander freely in Nara.

"You should also go to Nara where you'll find a thousand roaming deer," my friend recommended after learning about my plans to visit Japan. My eyes bloomed with excitement. "Join a tour," she added. "They come out cheaper. You'd be surprised."

The great thing about JTB USA is that you can build your own tour schedule. After the morning tour of Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji Temple, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace, I chose to continue to nearby Nara in the afternoon. And that was after a delicious traditional Japanese lunch!

Our sumptuous tempura lunch after the morning tour.

Soon as we entered Nara Park, there they were: the beautiful and tame creatures... everywhere. In Shinto religion, they are considered divine messengers and regarded as sacred. Here in Nara, they are protected as natural treasures. It is forbidden to kill them.

My hubby went to buy crackers to feed the deer. Not the greatest idea. Multiple deer followed him and aggressively went after the food in his hand. It was hysterical to watch him get "attacked" as we made our way towards the Todaiji Temple.

The deer nudging Alan for more crackers.

Alan couldn't decide which one to feed first.

They followed Alan all the way to the Nandaimon Gate.

This sweet one gladly posed with me.

A towering wooden structure called Nadaimon Gate stands over the entrance path towards the famous temple. On each end is a tall intimidating statue thought to keep watch over the gate.

Each of the guardian statues of the Nadaimon Gate is about 26 feet tall.

Past the gate, the sprawling grounds are impressive and made even more picturesque by the ubiquitous wild sika deer.

Another lovely one, relaxing by the pond.

I call this the doorway to the temple's expansive compound.

Built in 752, the Todaiji Temple serves as a place of prayer for peace. The main hall, also called Daibutsuden, is the world's largest wooden structure with a height of about 160 feet.

The Daibutsuden or Great Buddha Hall

The colossal building seems to be two stories with its two roof-like formation.

Details on the massive doors

 

The bronze Octagonal Lantern which is as old as the original temple built in 752.

The Great Buddha Hall houses the 49-foot Vairocana Buddha, one of Japan's largest Buddha statues. Made of bronze and copper, the Daibutsu or Great Buddha weighs 250 tons.

The Vairocana Buddha was made from cast bronze and then plated in gold.

More photos of the Great Buddha Hall and the Vairocana Buddha in my next post. For now, I'd like to share more photos of the temple grounds and the adorable divine messengers.

Another view of the Great Buddha Hall

At the temple grounds of Todaiji Temple

He found his special place. Can you spot him?

Just chillin'

There's a lot of interesting facts surrounding the Todaiji Temple. You can learn more about it here.


This story was continued from Palace Restored. Heritage Preserved.