Gazing upon Daxingshan Temple, can you hear the echoes of ancient chants and whispers of royal intrigue? Daxingshan Temple stands as a testament to time, a Buddhist sanctuary steeped in history. It is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Xi’an, its roots tracing back over 1700 years to the Jin Dynasty. Originally known as Zunshan Temple, Daxingshan Temple earned its current name during the Tang Dynasty. Its location within the flourishing Daxing City contributed to this name change. Daxingshan Temple was not merely a place of worship. It held a special significance for the Tang Dynasty emperors.
The temple’s fame extended far beyond Chang’an’s walls. It attracted renowned monks like Xuanzang, who journeyed to India to retrieve Buddhist scriptures. Upon his return, he established a translation center at Daxingshan Temple. This bustling center saw the translation of countless Buddhist texts, contributing significantly to the spread of Buddhism in China. This rich history made Daxingshan Temple a sought-after destination. Even the Indian monk, Amoghavajra, visited the temple, drawn by its reputation.
Daxingshan Temple’s history is interwoven with royal patronage and political maneuvering. It is said that during the Sui Dynasty, Emperor Wen of Sui used the temple as a meeting place to strategize with his ministers. It continued to be a favored temple for emperors throughout the Tang Dynasty. They would often visit to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Imagine the grand procession of Emperor Gaozong of Tang arriving at Daxingshan Temple to welcome the Fifth Dalai Lama. The emperor bestowed upon him the title of “Western Heavenly Great Kindness, Self-Existing Buddha of the Ten Thousand Heavens Under the Sun, Buddha of the Dharma, and Dalai Lama.” Years later, Emperor Qianlong also visited Daxingshan Temple, receiving the Sixth Panchen Lama. To prepare for this important meeting, Qianlong ordered renovations to the temple, adding three grand halls behind the main building. He even composed poems praising the temple’s beauty and grandeur. These visits highlight the pivotal role Daxingshan Temple played in the relationship between the Qing Dynasty emperors and Tibetan Buddhist leaders.
Tragically, a fire in 1755 ravaged Daxingshan Temple. It was rebuilt a year later under the orders of the Qianlong Emperor. But only the monks responsible for protecting the site were allowed to reside there. During the Republican era, Daxingshan Temple suffered further destruction. Today, only two steles remain from the original structure. These steles, erected during the reconstruction of the temple, bear inscriptions in Manchu and Chinese, respectively. The poems inscribed on them recount the historical meeting between Qianlong and the Sixth Panchen Lama. They stand as silent witnesses to the temple’s rich history and enduring legacy. Daxingshan Temple’s resilience mirrors the enduring spirit of Buddhism. Despite the ravages of time and political turmoil, it continues to inspire.