Famous for prayers to ward off cancer
The origin of Daianji Temple is said to be “Kumagori Shōja,” built by Prince Shōtoku in Heguri.
It became known as Baekje Temple and Daikan Temple in Fujiwara-kyo of Asuka, and later was relocated to its current site in the Nara period, becoming Daianji Temple.
Counted among the Seven Great Temples of Nanto, it occupied a vast temple area spanning from Sakyo 6-jo 4-bo to 7-jo 4-bo of Heijō-kyō, boasting the grand Daianji-style temple complex as the oldest government temple in Japan.
The remains of two pagodas to the south of the precincts recall the grandeur of its past.
During the Nara period, many notable monks lived here, including the Indian monk Bodaisenna, who served as the grand master at the opening ceremony of the Great Buddha at Todai-ji. It is said that as many as 887 monks resided here studying and practicing.
Also, part of the old precinct includes historical sites such as Sugiyama Kofun and the Sugiyama tile kiln ruins.
The original temple buildings have disappeared, but recently a CG restoration video of the Tenpyo-era temple was released and drew attention.
The temple houses nine wooden statues from the Nara period in the Daianji style, including standing statues of the Eleven-Faced Kannon, Four Heavenly Kings, Amida Buddha, and Willow Kannon (all designated Important Cultural Properties).
