Yakushi Ji Temple

Yakushi-ji is an ancient Buddhist temple in the Japanese city of Nara. The temple is protected and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is represented by the Japanese hosso tradition, and is famous for its Yakushi sculptural trinity, which includes the Medicine Buddha (Yakushi-nerai), as well as the Bodhisattva Chandrabrabhu and Suryaprabhu. Yakushi-ji is one of the seven largest temples in southern Japan.

Yakushi-ji was founded in Kashihara in 680 by Emperor Tammu, but construction was delayed and the emperor died. Beginning in 697, a statue of Yakushi-nerai was erected near the temple, and the temple was completed. In 710 it was decided to move the temple to Nara. The process lasted 8 years, and in 718 the shrine was moved.

The complete temple complex consists of the main Kondo hall, the Kodo lecture hall, the Western and Eastern pagodas. The structure of the shrine symbolizes the Buddhist paradise on earth. Yakushi-ji has survived fires and natural disasters several times. They only miraculously did not touch the Eastern Pagoda, which is one of the oldest wooden buildings on the planet. On the walls of the temple you can see paintings telling about the travels of the monk Xuanzang. The shrine is built in traditional Japanese style.