In 586, the Emperor Yohmei(?-587), father of prince Shotoku, vowed to build a temple and an image of Buddha as a form of prayer for his own recovery from illness. But, he died without fulfilling his vow.
After his death, the Empress Suiko (sister of Ex-Emperor Yohmei) and prince Shotoku built a temple and a statue of Buddha in 607. The temple was named the Ikaruga Temple (after the name of location) or Horyuji (Temple of the Flourishing Law of Buddhism).
However, upon historical narrative Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan released in 720), the temple was burnt down in 670, but the Buddha statues in the temple might have been saved by priests in the incident.
The studies of historians say the temple was re-erected in early 8th century (presumably in 711).
Although the temple was, originally, erected for the Emperor Yohmei, since the re-erection, the temple might have been changed to enshrine prince Shotoku for respecting his good politics.

Main Hall (National Treasure)

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