Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s3.t1.18

v1.c7.s3.t1.18

Rahu Temple is located on the east of the Xiantong Temple in Taihuai town which is named after Rahula, son of Sakyamuni. Manjusri is enshrined here. It was originally built during the Tang Dynasty and then became the monastery of Tibetan Buddhism. During the first stage of the Qing Dynasty, several emperors once paid a pilgrimage visit to the temple and granted funds to repair and expand the temple so its scale was increasing gradually. Now there are more than 500 halls and monk room. It was said that Rahula looked up to Manjusri so he celebrated the birthday of Manjusri on June 14 in lunar calendar every year. Up to now, lamas in the temple also follow this custom. They dance in strange clothes and masks on this day.