Saidai-ji
| Saidai-ji | |
|---|---|
西大寺 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Buddhist |
| Deity | Shaka Nyorai (Śākyamuni) (Important Cultural Property) |
| Rite | Shingon Ritsu |
| Status | Head Temple |
| Location | |
| Location | 1-1-5 Saidaiji Shibachō, Nara-shi, Nara-ken |
| Country | Japan |
| Geographic coordinates | 34°41′37″N 135°46′46.2″E / 34.69361°N 135.779500°E |
| Architecture | |
| Founder | Jōtō and Empress Kōken |
| Date established | 765 |
| Completed | 1808 (Reconstruction) |
| Website | |
| saidaiji | |
| } | |
Saidai-ji (西大寺) is a Buddhist temple located in the Saidiaji-Shiba neighborhood of the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It became the head temple of the Shingon Risshu (真言律宗) sect after the sect's founder, Eison (叡尊), took over administration in 1238. The honzon of the temple is a statue of Shaka Nyorai, enshrined by Eison in 1249. The temple was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples of the ancient capital of Heijō-kyō.