The “kodo” of Toji Temple is one of the central buildings of Toji Temple, built in the early Heian period, and has played an important role as a central space for esoteric Buddhist thought. Its origins date back to 823, when Emperor Saga entrusted Toji Temple to Kukai (Kobo Daishi). Kukai positioned this lecture hall as a place to visually express esoteric Buddhist doctrines and to convey the teachings to worshippers. Inside the lecture hall are 21 Buddhist statues that embody the “mandala world” envisioned by Kukai. These groups of Buddhist statues, called “three-dimensional mandalas,” are symbolic of the core of esoteric Buddhism's cosmology and faith. The Dainichi Nyorai statue seated in the center of the mandala is surrounded by Bodhisattvas, Myoo, and Tianbu, each of which plays a role based on the teachings of esoteric Buddhism. This arrangement is a three-dimensional rendition of the mandala's plan, giving visitors an overwhelming sense of scale and spiritual depth. Historically, the auditorium has suffered several natural disasters and fires, and has been rebuilt each time. The current building was rebuilt in the Muromachi period, but many of the Buddhist statues created during the reign of Kukai remain in their original state. From this point of view, the auditorium occupies an important place in the history of Buddhist art and architecture in Japan.