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Chōgen's Reconstruction of Tōdai-ji

Type Event Region Asia Time 1180–1208

In the early Kamakura period, the monk Chōgen led the post-disaster reconstruction of Tōdai-ji, completing the lecture hall and other key buildings i…

Timeline

  1. 1180–1181Tōdai-ji · NaraTōdai-ji was burned by Taira forces during the Jishō Disturbance; the monk Chōgen was appointed chief fundraiser, organized donations, and traveled to Song China to study construction techniques, launching a large-scale reconstruction.
  2. 1185Tōdai-ji Great Buddha Hall · NaraThe Great Buddha Hall, rebuilt using Song-style large-timber construction, was completed; it is one of the largest surviving wooden structures in Japan and established the Daibutsuyō architectural tradition.
  3. 1208Tōdai-ji lecture hall · NaraThe Tōdai-ji lecture hall was completed in the third year of Ken'ei, another important result of Chōgen's reconstruction project, restoring the temple's teaching and ritual functions.

Sources