Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s3.t18: Dacien Temple
Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s3.t18
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Dacien Temple
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Dacien Temple (Dacien Vihar), is a Chinese temple rising straight up in the middle of Yanta District, Xi’an. It is very famous because of its association with Master Xuanzang who translated and stored the Buddhist scriptures he received from an extremely difficult pilgrimage journey to India.
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Before Dacien Temple, there was another temple known as Jingjue Temple built during Northern Wei Dynasty. Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty (581-604 CE) once ordered to establish Wulou Temple in the old site of Jingjue Temple but the temple was abandoned later. During the 22nd year of the Zhenguan period of Tang Dynasty (648 CE), Prince Li Zhi (628-683 CE) was determined to rebuild the temple. Once restored, he renamed it as the Ci’en Temple in memory of his mother. Before the official establishment, it was decided that the site be designed following the style of Jetavana described in some Buddhist scriptures. Accordingly, 13 yards with 1,897 rooms in total were supposed to be built. After completion of work, another hall would be added specially for translation of Buddhist scriptures. At that time, a total of 50 eminent monks together with 300 common monks were stationed in the temple. Later Master Xuanzang was requested to move to Dacien Temple as the abbot with the responsibility to take up the translation work of Buddhist scriptures.
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*Dacien Temple (Giant Wild Goose Pagoda), Xi’an, Shaanxi, China*
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During the third year of Yonghui (652 CE) of Tang Dynasty, in order to better protect the Buddhist scriptures from India, Master Xuanzang submitted a written statement to Li Zhi, Emperor Gaozong of Tang and suggested building of Dacien Pagoda in front of Dacien Temple in the Indian architecture style. His suggestion was eventually accepted by the Emperor. During the course of its construction, Master Xuanzang fully devoted himself to monitor it and even participated in the delivery of bricks and stones. Soon, the pagoda was completed and named Pagoda of Dacien Temple, present-day Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.
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Dacien Temple and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda have a close link with Master Xuanzang. It is a symbol of India-China cultural exchanges. On December 22, 1988, Rajiv Gandhi, Prime Minister of India visited the temple and was gifted two Buddhist scriptures translated by Master Xuanzang by the chief abbot of Dacien Temple.
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(*Xue Keqiao*)