The historically renowned Famen Temple is situated approximately 110 km from Xian and lays claim to a rich cultural legacy. Although it received its present name at the time of the Tang Dynasty, it was in fact initially created during the latter years of the Eastern Han Dynasty. As the site has existed for over 1,700 years it is taken as the precursor of the pagodas and temples in the central region of China. Today the Famen Temple Scenic Area includes the Foguang Avenue, Temple Gate Square, Famen Temple and Namaste Dagoba.
Famen Temple was initially given prominence due to its famed stupa which contained the sacred relics of Sakyamuni Buddha, the founder of the Buddhist religion. During a period of two centuries at the time of the Tang Dynasty, a series of emperors took part in auspicious occasions relating to the venerated relics. In fact the Emperor Xizong deposited thousands of valuable treasures to accompany the sacred relics within an underground palace at the premises. From this time onwards Famen Temple was regarded as a holy site for Buddhists as well as an esteemed imperial shrine.
The temple reached the zenith of its grandeur in the era of the Song Dynasty and was reconstructed comprehensively in the Republican period.
In the year 1981, after a period of more than a millennium a fascinating subterranean palace was rediscovered at the site. At this time a vast number of priceless treasures and relics were unearthed, providing significant details about the way of life during the Tang Dynasty.
Several features of interest may be seen presently at the compound including an authentic finger bone of the revered Sakyamuni Buddha, an ancient underground complex, a mandala of the Tang Dynasty, an imperial era tea set, hawksbill coins, artifacts used for Buddhist rituals, over 700 silk articles, pieces of coloured porcelain and relic boxes.
Today the temple complex is a fascinating compound which never fails to captivate the visitor. It is always enjoyable to explore this historically significant Buddhist shrine.
Selective travellers desiring Xian accommodation will find an excellent rest in the Citadines Xingqing Palace Xi’an. These fine serviced apartments Xian offers provide well-furnished rooms and courteous service.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
