Yakushiji
Yakushiji (薬師寺) is a prominent Buddhist temple located in Nara, Japan, and is one of the most significant religious sites in the country. Originally constructed in 686 AD during the reign of Emperor Tenmu, it was rebuilt in 718 AD under the orders of Empress Gemmei and later expanded by Emperor Shōmu. The temple is dedicated to the Buddha of Medicine, Yakushi Nyorai, who is revered as a deity of healing and longevity.
Yakushiji holds the distinction of being the first temple in Japan to house the *Shingon* (真言) school
The temple complex includes several other notable structures, such as the *Kōdō* (講堂), where Kūkai delivered his
Yakushiji played a crucial role in the dissemination of *Shingon* Buddhism, which later spread across Japan