Shimotsuke Yakushiji
栃木県
Founded around 680, one of Japan's three official ordination platforms visited by Ganjin — the most important ancient Buddhist site in eastern Japan
Founded
680
Type
Temple
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JR宇都宮線自治医大駅からタクシー約10分
栃木県下野市薬師寺1636
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Overview
The ruins of Shimotsuke Yakushiji Temple, located in the Yakushiji district of Shimotsuke City, are those of a government-sponsored temple (kokubunji) built during the reign of Emperor Tenmu in the Nara period, and is counted among the three ordination platforms (kaidan) in Japan. An ordination platform is the place where monks received formal precepts, and the site held equal prestige with the or…
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Origins
Shimotsuke Yakushiji Temple is said to have been founded around 680 CE by imperial decree of Emperor Tenmu. During the Nara period, it flourished as a major center of Buddhism in the eastern provinces. In 761, it was designated as one of Japan's three official ordination platforms (kaidan), alongsid…
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Divine Benefits
Healing & Longevity
Warding Off Evil
Long Life
Recovery from illness, bodily wellness, peace of mind. Especially efficacious at Yakushi and Kannon temples.
Derived from the enshrined deity "薬師如来"
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