Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s3.t17: Fayuan Temple
Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s3.t17
- Language
- English
Fayuan Temple
v1.c7.s3.t17.1
Fayuan Temple (Fayuan Vihar) is one of the most historically respected Buddhist temples located in Xuanwu district, Beijing.
v1.c7.s3.t17.2
In Zhenguan 19th year of Tang Dynasty (645 CE), the emperor issued an order to build a temple in the memory of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in war. The temple was completed in the Wansui Tongtian first year of the reign of Queen Wu Zetian (696 CE) and named as Minzhong Temple. In 1057 CE, the temple was destroyed in a huge earthquake.
v1.c7.s3.t17.3
*Fayuan Temple, Beijing, China*
v1.c7.s3.t17.4
In 1070, it was rebuilt and renamed in Zhengtong second year of Ming Dynasty as Chongfu Temple. Another restoration of the building and its renaming was done during the reign period of Emperor Yongzheng of Qing Dynasty (1723-1735 CE). After 1949, the government frequently granted funds to repair and maintain the temple. In 1956, Buddhist Academy of China was established in Fayuan Temple. Later, Buddhist Books and Culture Relics Museum of China was officially founded here in 1980.
v1.c7.s3.t17.5
The major architectures in Fayuan Temple include the Hall of Heavenly Kings for enshrinement and worship of Bu Dai monk - the incarnation of Maitreya. On both sides of it stands four Heavenly Kings. Mahavira Hall, for people to pay respect to Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, Manjusri and Samantabhadra; the Goddess of Mercy Pavillion which listed the historical relics of Fayuan Temple; Jingye Hall which accommodated the bronze statue of Samantabhadra; and, the Dabei Shrine which is now used as showroom to exhibit volumes of various versions of Buddhist scriptures in many languages from Tang Dynasty onwards. Besides this, there is Depository of Buddhist Sutras building which now exhibits a dozen of Buddhist statues built from Eastern Han Dynasty all the way down to Ming and Qing Dynasties.
v1.c7.s3.t17.6
(*Xue Keqiao*)