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Architecture and Style
Yakushi is geometrically planned out as a grid to replicate the Fujiwara capital to embody the new location. The Golden Hall rests in the middle of Yakushiji Forward to the east and west of the golden hall are two pagodas symmetrically placed in order to bring attention towards the golden hall. The Golden Hall in Fujiwara resembles the Golden Hall at Heijo. Preservations of 18 column foundation stones found at Fujiwara show that the distance between each column are the exact length between columns at Heijo. In addition to the similarities in column width between the two, there are also identical staircases on each side of both temples. Discoveries of an underlying road system at Yakushiji at Fujiwara demonstrates that the temple was constructed around the road systems in the new capital. The East Pagoda replicated styles at the Heijo Yakushiji, with 12 granite column foundation stones found during excavations, whereas the West Pagoda demonstrated signs of being constructed during the early Nara period, after the capital had been moved, due to a different style. There are few remnants of the Fujiwara Yakushiji today, where the only visible markings of the temple are past foundations and columns of the Golden Hall.

History
The Jinshin Wars in Japan in 672 resulted in moving the capital from Otsu, and back to Asuka. The movement of the capital was due to family disputes over money and power inevitably leading to civil war between Prince Naka and Prince Ōama. Prince Ōama desired power over Prince Naka’s son, who was favored by his father to take the throne after his rule. After disagreements between Prince Ōama and Prince Naka’s son, Prince Ōtomo resulted in Prince Ōama’s victory over his brother and nephew. Prince Ōama, as Tenmu, was responsible for moving the temple from Ostu back to Asuka in 672. The Fujiwara capital was built during this time reflecting a Chinese-style capital with hopes of improving economic stability and centralization of government as well as a strong military. Emperor Tenmu built Yakushi as a dedication to the well-being of his consort, Princess Uno, to recover from her illness. This is due to the idea that Yakushi, the medicine buddha, has healing powers. Ironically, Tenmu died and Princess Uno took his position of power, and from 686-697 reigned as Jito Tenmo. The Nara Period (710-794) began with the transfer of the capital to Nara in 710 from the Fujiwara Capital. This was due to a similar reason for the movement of the capital to Fujiwara, which was the desire to build a strong, centralized government in the capital of Nara. Emperor Shomu instigated the construction of the “Seven Great Temples”: Todai-ji, Kofuku-ji, Gango-ji, Daian-ji, Yakushi-ji, Saidai-ji, and Horyu-j.

Yakushi Triad
Yakushi was first used as a medicine buddha for the power holding class and wealthy elites as a buddha to pray to in order to rid loved ones or themselves of their illnesses. It wasn’t until later that the Tendai School enhanced a worship for Yakushi that developed a cult around him in hopes that he would bring wealth to all of those around him. Today as he is known as a central deity, Yakushi is still present at memorial services among 13 other deities. Early sculptures of Yakushi before the 7th century are made from bronze, whereas sculptures seen in the 7th and 12th centuries are made from wood. According to Okuda et. al, Among 247 statues, 224 are wood, 17 are bronze, 4 in stone, and 2 are iron. Other differences between old and new Yakushi sculptures include the fact that older sculptures there is no medicine jar present in Yakushi’s hand. It was discovered that the Yakushi buddha was supposed to have a medicine jar and a jewelry stone in an early sutra rule regarding the Yakushi Buddha. An example of this is found in Yakushi in Nara, where the older, bronze style is present with the absence of the medicine jar. The Yakushi Triad at Yakushi-ji is known for being one of the most well-known icons in Japan as well as one of the earliest example of T’ang style used in Japan. The Nara Period is evident in the Yakushi Triad due to the idea that they are wooden sculptures, which was used among sculptors in this time period. It is up for debate for scholars as to where the Yakushi Triad originated. There are arguments among scholars who believe it was made to be an icon at Fujiwara Kyo Yakushi, while others argue that it was made in the early Nara Period for Heijōkyō Yakushiji. The two differing theories are: 1. that the Yakushi Triad was built in Asuka as a way for Emperor Tenmu to improve the health of his ill consort and 2. The Yakushi Triad was built later on during the Yoro Period as a delayed request from Emperor Tenmu. Written records support the first theory, whereas style and architecture supports the second theory.