Famen Temple

Overview

Famen Temple, located in Famen Town, Fufeng County, Baoji City, Shaanxi Province, China, is a famous Buddhist temple with a history spanning nearly 2,000 years. The temple gained prominence for its enshrinement of what is believed to be the finger bone relic of the Buddha (Sakyamuni), making it one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in China. The temple complex has undergone numerous transformations throughout history, reflecting the changing fortunes of Buddhism in China and serving as a repository of cultural artifacts from various dynasties, particularly the Tang Dynasty.

History

Famen Temple was originally constructed during the late Eastern Han Dynasty, during the reigns of Emperor Huan and Emperor Ling (circa 150-189 CE). During the turbulent Sixteen Kingdoms and Northern and Southern Dynasties period, the wooden pagoda housing the Buddha's relic was repeatedly destroyed. Most notably, Emperor Taiwu of Northern Wei, following the advice of Cui Hao, implemented widespread suppression of Buddhism, destroying sutras, statues, and pagodas, which resulted in the temple's destruction.

In 558 CE, Tuoba Yu, a descendant of the Northern Wei imperial family and governor of Qizhou, restored the Ashoka Temple and its pagoda. That same year, the pagoda was first opened to view the relic, which significantly elevated the temple's status, establishing it as one of the four great Buddhist sites in China. During the Sui Dynasty, the temple was renamed "Chengshi Daochang" in 583 CE and later "Famen Temple" in 618 CE. However, the same year, the temple was destroyed by fire, leaving only the foundation and ruins.

During the Tang Dynasty, Famen Temple reached the zenith of its importance. Eight emperors—Gaozong, Wu Zetian, Zhongzong, Suzong, Dezong, Xianzong, Yizong, and Xizong—conducted six grand ceremonies to welcome and send off the Buddha's finger bone relic. These events were extraordinarily elaborate, involving the entire imperial court and drawing crowds from across the empire. The most spectacular ceremony occurred in 873 CE under Emperor Yizong, when the relic was escorted to the palace with immense pomp and circumstance. After this final ceremony, the relic was sealed in the underground palace along with thousands of precious artifacts, where it remained hidden for 1,113 years until its rediscovery in 1987.

The temple faced another setback during the Huichang Persecution of Buddhism in 845 CE when Emperor Wuzong ordered the destruction of Buddhist relics. However, temple monks had prepared replica relics (known as "shadow bones") to present to the emperor while secretly preserving the authentic finger bone relic.

After the Tang Dynasty, Famen Temple gradually declined. In 1569 CE, the original four-story wooden pagoda collapsed in an earthquake. A new thirteen-story octagonal brick pagoda was constructed over 30 years, completed in 1609 CE. This pagoda stood until 1981 when it partially collapsed due to earthquake damage. The current temple complex was reconstructed after 1987, with the new pagoda built in the Ming Dynasty style but using reinforced concrete.

Key Information

Cultural Significance

Famen Temple holds immense cultural and religious significance in China. The temple's enshrinement of what is believed to be the Buddha's finger bone relic makes it a pilgrimage site of the highest importance for Buddhists. The relic's unearthing in 1987 revealed a treasure trove of artifacts that provide unparalleled insights into Tang Dynasty culture, particularly the intersection of Buddhism and imperial power.

The temple's history reflects the ebb and flow of Buddhism's fortunes in China. During the Tang Dynasty, it served as an imperial temple, receiving direct patronage from emperors who believed that venerating the relic would bring national prosperity and peace. The phrase "once every thirty years, the land will be bountiful and the people harmonious" reflects the belief that the periodic display of the relic would ensure national well-being.

The temple has also been a center for Buddhist learning and practice. The Famen Temple Buddhist Academy, established in 2004, is a higher education institution for Buddhist monks in Northwest China, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in Buddhist studies.

Modern Status

Today, Famen Temple has been extensively renovated and expanded, becoming a major cultural and tourist destination. The temple complex was approved as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 2006 and was included in the "Magical Northwest 100 Scenic Spots" in 2018.

The modern Famen Temple complex includes several significant structures:
- The True Relic Pagoda (reconstructed in 1988)
- The Underground Palace (discovered in 1987, containing the Buddha's relic and numerous artifacts)
- the Famen Temple Museum (displaying artifacts from the underground palace)
- the He Shi Sheli Pagoda (completed in 2009, designed to house the Buddha's relic)
- the Guangfo Avenue (a ceremonial approach to the new pagoda)

The temple has become a symbol of cultural heritage and religious devotion in China. The reconstruction and development of the temple complex have been supported by the Shaanxi provincial government as part of efforts to promote cultural tourism and establish Shaanxi as a cultural powerhouse.

References

1. Zhao, P. (2005). Famen Temple: Archaeological Treasures of the Tang Dynasty. Beijing: Cultural Relics Publishing House.
2. Li, J. (2010). Buddhist Relics and Imperial Power in Tang China. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
3. Wang, L., & Chen, H. (2012). The Archaeology of Chinese Buddhism. New York: Thames & Hudson.
4. Xi, Z. (2015). Famen Temple and the Buddha's Finger Bone Relic. Journal of Buddhist Archaeology, 12(2), 45-67.