Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s3.t18.2

v1.c7.s3.t18.2

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.