| Abstract |
The Yakushiji temple was first constructed in Fujiwara between 680 and 698. When the capital was moved to Heijô, 20 km. north of Fujiwara, a new Yakushiji was begun in 716 by order of Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jitô. Yakushiji was located in the southwestern quarter of Heijô (Nara). The around 730 finished complex has an outer cloistered corridor with a square plan that encloses the central kondô (Golden Hall) with the statue of Yakushi nyorai, the Healing Buddha, and two tall impressive pagodas. On the northern cloister, there was a lecture hall beyond which lay the the monks' quarters, a refectory, bell tower, and library for storing the Buddhist sutra texts. In 973 the temple was distroyed
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