12/25.- Nara, Todaiji Temple, facade

Temples in Japan are the place for Buddhist worship. All Japanese temples follow a similar pattern. There is a main gate that marks the entrance to the complex. In the temple you find the Main Hall, the Lecture Hall, the Pagoda and the Bell Tower.

In the Main Hall you find the sacred images and statues. The Lecture Hall is for meetings and lectures, it is called Kodo. Pagodas are always three or five story buildings that host sacred relics of Buddha. The Bell Tower is where the bell used on New Year is. On this day, it is rung 108 times, corresponding to the 108 desires. Most temples have an adjacent cemetery.

In the picture you can see a detail of Todaji's facade.

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