Dafo Temple (Zhangye)
The Dafo Temple, also known as the Great Buddha Temple, is a significant Buddhist temple in Zhangye, Gansu, China. It is renowned for its colossal reclining Buddha statue, constructed around 1100 during the Western Xia period, which is reputedly the largest reclining Buddha clay statue in China, measuring thirty-five meters in length. Following a major restoration in 2005-06, the temple has become a popular tourist destination.
Key Facts
- ›Built around the beginning of the 12th century during the Western Xia period.
- ›Features a gigantic reclining Buddha statue, approximately 35 meters long, made of clay on a wooden frame.
- ›The hall housing the Buddha is a surviving wooden structure from the Western Xia period.
- ›Suffered destruction in 1372 by the Ming army and was rebuilt between 1411 and 1419.
- ›Listed as a major national historical and cultural site in China in 1996.
- ›Underwent a significant restoration and re-opened as a place of worship and tourist attraction in 2006.
Important Relationships
- Kublai Khan (legendary association)
- Bing, last Song dynasty emperor (legendary association)
- Sineng Weimie (founding monk)
- Ghiyath al-Din Naqqash (Timurid envoy)
- Xuanzang (subject of mural)
- Sun Wukong (subject of mural)
- Gigantic Reclining Buddha Statue
- Wooden Hall From the Western Xia Period
- Qing Dynasty Mural Depicting Xuanzang and Sun Wukong
- 6,000 Volumes of Ancient Buddhist Scriptures
- Construction Initiated Around 1098 By Monk Sineng Weimie.
- Razing By Ming Army In 1372.
- Reconstruction Completed In 1419, Renamed Hongren Temple.
- Documented By Timurid Envoy Ghiyath Al-Din Naqqash In 1420.
- Listed As A Major National Historical and Cultural Site In 1996.
- Re-Opened After Restoration In 2006.
Western Xia Period, Qing Dynasty
About Dafo Temple (Zhangye)
The Dafo Temple, also known as the Great Buddha Temple, is a prominent Buddhist temple located in Zhangye, Gansu province, China. Its primary claim to fame is the magnificent, gigantic reclining Buddha statue housed within its main hall. This colossal statue, made of clay on a wooden frame, depicts the Gautama Buddha's attainment of nirvana and is approximately thirty-five meters in length, reportedly making it the largest reclining Buddha clay statue in China.
History and Construction
The temple's origins date back to around the beginning of the 12th century, during the Western Xia (1038–1227) period. Historical accounts suggest that in 1098, a monk named Sineng Weimie discovered a reclining Buddha statue and was inspired to build a great temple in its honor. The temple's history is marked by periods of both veneration and destruction. Much of the temple was razed by the Ming army in 1372 during their capture of Ganzhou (Zhangye). Reconstruction efforts began in 1411 and were completed in 1419, during which time it was renamed "Hongren Temple" by the emperor. The temple's survival and preservation have been a continuous endeavor, with significant challenges faced, particularly during the Cultural Revolution.
Architectural Significance and Features
The hall containing the reclining Buddha is a remarkable surviving wooden structure from the Western Xia period, measuring 48 meters long, 24 meters wide, and 33 meters high. Within this hall, a Qing dynasty mural depicts the journey of Xuanzang and his followers, including the Monkey King Sun Wukong. The temple also holds a significant collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures, with 6,000 volumes reported to have survived.
Modern Status and Recognition
In 1996, Dafo Temple was recognized for its historical importance and added to the list of major national historical and cultural sites in China. Following a comprehensive restoration project between 2005 and 2006, the temple was reinstated as a place of worship and officially re-opened. This restoration aimed to enhance its appeal as a tourist destination, and it now attracts thousands of visitors annually. The temple has been known by several names throughout its history, including Kasyapa Buddha Temple, Bojue Temple, and Reclining Buddha Temple, with "Dafo" meaning "Great Buddha" in Chinese.
Legends and Associations
Legends have become interwoven with the history of Dafo Temple. One story claims that Kublai Khan was born within the temple, while his mother resided there. Another tale suggests that Bing, the last Song dynasty emperor, was exiled to Zhangye and became a monk at the temple. However, scholarly research has yet to find definitive evidence to support these narratives, indicating they may represent the accumulation of legend around this significant Buddhist site.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Dafo Temple built?
The temple was built around the beginning of the 12th century, during the Western Xia period. Historical accounts suggest its construction began around 1098 after a monk discovered a reclining Buddha statue.
What is the most notable feature of Dafo Temple?
The most notable feature is its gigantic reclining Buddha statue, which is about 35 meters long and is reputedly the largest reclining Buddha clay statue in China. The statue depicts Gautama Buddha attaining nirvana.
Has Dafo Temple undergone any significant renovations?
Yes, the temple has undergone several restorations throughout its history. A major restoration project took place between 2005 and 2006, after which it was re-opened as a place of worship and a tourist attraction.
What is the historical significance of Dafo Temple?
The temple is significant as a surviving wooden structure from the Western Xia period and houses a massive reclining Buddha statue from that era. It was also listed as a major national historical and cultural site in China in 1996.
What other names has Dafo Temple been known by?
Over the centuries, the temple has been known by several other names, including Kasyapa Buddha Temple, Bojue Temple, Hongren Temple, and Reclining Buddha Temple. The current name, Dafo, means 'Great Buddha'.
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