What is a Yakushido hall?

A Yakushido is a temple hall dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, where people pray for healing, recovery from illness, and good health. Its principal image is usually shown holding a small medicine jar in one hand.

How can I tell that a statue is Yakushi Nyorai?

You can usually recognise Yakushi Nyorai by the small round medicine jar held in one hand, which is his distinctive emblem. In some halls he is also flanked by two attendant bodhisattvas and accompanied by the Twelve Heavenly Generals.

What do people pray for at a Yakushido?

People pray at a Yakushido mainly for healing, recovery from illness, and good health, both for themselves and for family members who are unwell. It is a place many visitors come to with a specific wish for wellbeing in mind.

Yakushido

Architecture

薬師堂・ Reading: やくしどう

Yakushido — Daigo35Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0

Definition

A hall dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, who is prayed to for healing and good health. Its principal image often holds a small medicine jar in one hand.

The Buddha enshrined here

A Yakushido is a hall dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, the buddha who heals illness. For centuries people have visited to pray for recovery from sickness, for good health, and for the wellbeing of family members who have fallen ill. Because Yakushi Nyorai has been widely revered in Japan since very early times, you will find Yakushido halls all across the country, from small village halls to well-known major temples.

What to look for

The principal image is usually shown holding a small, round medicine jar in one hand, and this is the main feature that sets it apart from other buddhas. In some halls the central figure is flanked by two attendant bodhisattvas, Nikko (Sunlight) and Gakko (Moonlight), and may also be accompanied by the Twelve Heavenly Generals.

How to pay your respects

Approach quietly, offer a coin in the offering box if there is one, bow once, and put your hands together. Many people come here with a specific wish for healing in mind, so take your time and pray with a sincere heart.

Common questions

What is a Yakushido hall?: A Yakushido is a temple hall dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, where people pray for healing, recovery from illness, and good health. Its principal image is usually shown holding a small medicine jar in one hand.
How can I tell that a statue is Yakushi Nyorai?: You can usually recognise Yakushi Nyorai by the small round medicine jar held in one hand, which is his distinctive emblem. In some halls he is also flanked by two attendant bodhisattvas and accompanied by the Twelve Heavenly Generals.
What do people pray for at a Yakushido?: People pray at a Yakushido mainly for healing, recovery from illness, and good health, both for themselves and for family members who are unwell. It is a place many visitors come to with a specific wish for wellbeing in mind.