- Address: 457 Nishinokyōchō, Nara-shi, Nara-ken 630-8563, Japan
- Phone: +81 742-33-6001
- Website: nara-yakushiji.com
- Year of foundation: 680
Yakushi is a temple in Japan , one of the seven largest located in the south of the country. Refers to the traditions of the hosso. Recently it has been under the protection of UNESCO.
History of creation
The Yakushi Temple was erected in 697 at the will of Emperor Tammu in the provincial city of Fujiwaraakyo. The shrine sang of Yakushi - the Buddha of medicine, as the ruler's wife was seriously ill, and only hard prayers could bring her back to life. Yakushi heard requests, and Dzito was healed, but the protracted construction work (from 680 to 697) did not allow Tamm to see his creation. Like many other temples, Yakushi was moved to the ancient capital - Naru . The relocation started in 710 and took 8 years. In the new place the temple was revered and created a competition for the popular in the city of Kofukudzi .
Values of the Temple
The main pride of Yakushi is the sculptural group consisting of 3 statues. The central place is occupied by Buddha Yakushi Nerai, surrounded by assistants of bodhisattva Nikko and Gakko, symbolizing the sun and moonlight. The unity of the deity and helpers is the key to the success of prayers for the health of loved ones, who will surely be heard day and night. Unfortunately, only members of the imperial family and aristocrats could turn to the Yakushi temple for help. Commoners were not allowed to sculptures, but they could address requests to the goddess of mercy Kannon. Her statue was installed in the Toindo Hall.
The statue of Yakushi and the Bodhisattvas is located in a separate prayer hall in Kondo. The height of the sculpture of the seated Buddha is 2.5 m, his followers are a little higher. The sculptural group is cast from bronze and is distinguished by its realism and a multitude of details. The pedestal of the Buddha is decorated with bas-reliefs and ornaments in which people and animals can be seen. The dragon, the tiger, the phoenix, the tortoise in ancient times were symbols of the sides of the world and the mercy of the Buddha.
Pagoda in the Temple
Yakusidzi experienced many fires in his long history. The largest occurred in 1528, then almost all the temple buildings burned, except for the eastern pagoda Yakushi. Nowadays it is considered to be the oldest wooden structure, preserved in the territory of Japan, and a model of the architecture of ancient masters. The uniqueness of the pagoda lies in the fact that from whatever side you come to the temple, it is the first thing to be seen. Considering the construction of many people think that the pagoda consists of more tiers. However, this assumption is deceptive. Yakushi pagoda has only 3 tiers. Under the roof of each of the main, a smaller roof is built, which gives the impression that two three-story pagodas are inserted one into the other. The building is topped by a long spire with nine rings, an ornament with flames, dancing hiten.
How to get there?
You can reach the place by buses Nos. 4, 78, 54, 9, which follow to the stop Kintetsu-Kashihara Line, located 150 m from the goal. Those interested can take a ride on the metro, Nara Station is a 10-minute walk from the temple. Lovers of comfort have the opportunity to book a taxi or rent a car .