Famen Temple
Shaanxi Sheng
Famen Temple, located in Famen town, Fufeng County, Shaanxi Province, China, is a significant Buddhist temple with a history dating back to at least the Eastern Han dynasty. Known as the "ancestor of pagoda temples in Guanzhong," it flourished notably during the Tang dynasty when it housed the True Relic Pagoda that enshrined Buddha's finger bone relic. The temple has been rebuilt and expanded multiple times through various dynasties, including the Northern Wei, Sui, Tang, Song, Jin, Ming, and Qing, reflecting its enduring religious and cultural importance. The temple complex traditionally features a pagoda, front and rear halls, and a large underground palace that was rediscovered in 1987, revealing thousands of rare Tang dynasty artifacts, including the Buddha's relics, gold and silver items, silk textiles, and porcelain. Today, Famen Temple combines historical architecture with modern restorations and serves as an active Buddhist monastery and cultural heritage site. It also hosts a Buddhist academy and museum, attracting scholars, pilgrims, and tourists worldwide.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to visit during spring and autumn for pleasant weather and to avoid the peak summer heat. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during major Buddhist festivals or special relic exhibitions. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Guided tours provide valuable insights into the temple's history and relics. Respectful attire and behavior are expected within the temple grounds.
Interesting facts
- •The underground palace discovered in 1987 contained Buddha's genuine finger bone relic, making Famen Temple one of the most important Buddhist relic sites globally.
- •Thousands of Tang dynasty artifacts were unearthed in the temple's underground palace, including rare gold, silver, silk, porcelain, and the 'Eight-layered Precious Box'.
- •The temple's pagoda evolved from a four-storied wooden structure in the Tang dynasty to a thirteen-story brick tower rebuilt during the Ming dynasty.
- •The temple has hosted seven imperial ceremonies during the Tang dynasty where emperors personally received and venerated Buddha's relics.
- •The discovery of tea utensils in the underground palace helped confirm the origins of the Japanese tea ceremony trace back to Tang dynasty China.
History
Famen Temple's origins are believed to date back to the Eastern Han dynasty, with archaeological evidence supporting its ancient foundation.
It gained prominence during the Tang dynasty, becoming a royal temple housing the sacred Buddha finger relic.
The temple endured destruction during periods of Buddhist suppression, notably in the Northern Zhou dynasty and the Huichang persecution under Emperor Wuzong.
It was rebuilt multiple times, with significant renovations during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
In the 20th century, the temple suffered damages from wars and political upheavals but was restored starting in the late 1930s.
The 1987 discovery of the underground palace and relics marked a major archaeological and religious milestone, revitalizing the site's significance.
Place Guide
True Relic PagodaTang dynasty origin, Ming dynasty reconstruction in 1579
The central pagoda originally built in the Tang dynasty to enshrine the Buddha's finger bone relic. It has been rebuilt multiple times, currently restored to resemble the Ming dynasty thirteen-story brick tower with a steel-reinforced structure and blue brick facade. Visitors can ascend to the viewing platform for panoramic views.
Underground Palace (Dìgōng)Tang dynasty
A subterranean chamber beneath the pagoda where the Buddha's relics and thousands of precious Tang dynasty artifacts were discovered in 1987. The palace is constructed of white marble and limestone, with intricately carved walls and stone doors. It has been carefully restored and houses the original relics and treasures.
Famen Temple MuseumEstablished post-1987 excavation
Located in the temple's western courtyard, the museum displays many of the treasures unearthed from the underground palace, including gold and silver artifacts, silk textiles, porcelain, and Buddhist scriptures. The museum educates visitors on the temple's history and the significance of the relics.
Mahavira Hall (Dàxióng Bǎodiàn)Rebuilt post-1980s restoration
The main hall of the temple complex, rebuilt in traditional Tang architectural style, housing important Buddha statues and serving as the central place for worship and ceremonies.
Contact
Phone: 0917 525 4002