As its possible causes, earthquakes occurring frequently and resistance from the opposition power are pointed out, but the main cause that forced them to abandon even the Great Buddha under construction is not well known.
これには、頻発した地震や反対勢力の抵抗などの原因が指摘されているが、わざわざ建設半ばの大仏までも捨ててしまうほどの、肝腎の主因はよく分かっていない。