Butsugen-ji, Buddhist temple in Wakabayashi-ku, Japan
Butsugen-ji is a Buddhist temple in the former Mutsu Province featuring a Yakushi-do hall that houses a bronze statue of Yakushi Nyorai. Multiple structures once stood on the grounds, their foundations revealed through excavations conducted in the mid-20th century.
The temple was founded in 741 when Emperor Shomu ordered its construction as part of a broader provincial building program responding to a severe smallpox epidemic. This establishment made it the main temple of the region and reflected imperial efforts to extend central authority across the realm.
The temple served as a provincial center where the imperial authority promoted Buddhism, drawing visitors from across the region who came to experience this officially sanctioned faith. Its position reflected the crown's vision to unify the country through religion.
Plan to spend time walking slowly across the grounds to take in the archaeological remains and understand the layout of the various structures from different periods. A basic understanding of the temple's historical role helps visitors appreciate what they are seeing in the landscape.
The grounds were equipped with defensive structures including moats and wooden palisades, suggesting the temple served a dual purpose beyond worship. These military features reveal that the site functioned as both a religious center and a fortified position.
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