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Words-and-Pictures: Nara's Saidaiji
(as seen on October 10th, 2001, on the
Yamato stage of the Aki
Meguri)
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| Note:
Nara is in
the heart of Old Yamato. Saidaiji is one of the many temples located on Nara's quieter
west side. It is between Todaiji and Kikoji. A walk down this road
evokes the past in a way that few places can. You can read
about my visit to Nara in my Logbook, read more about my Yamato
experiences, or read about the entire Aki
Meguri from the beginning. |
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| Saidaiji
was founded in 765 A.D. It is the "Great Western Temple"
which corresponds to Todaiji, the "Great
Eastern Temple" on the other side of town (and home of the Great
Buddha). There's nothing that grandiose here, but I have a soft spot for old
foundation stones, so this one was well worth the visit. |
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This platform
stands directly in front of the main hall, with foundation
stones on it. I guess it may have been a pagoda. |
| Another view. Unfortunately, I
couldn't get enough elevation to shoot the stones clearly. |
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Also on the grounds: this modest
front gate...
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| ...and a pretty little bell tower,
beside which I had a late lunch. |
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HISTORY
