Reclining Buddha statues at Dafo Temple
The Dafo Temple is an ancient Buddha temple situated in Zhangye, Gansu, China. This temple is also popularly known as the great Buddha temple since it houses gigantic reclining Buddha statue. It is believed that the Buddha statue dates from around 1100 CE during the period of Western Xia dynasty. The length of this statue is 35 meters long.
Over the centuries, other different names were also added to the temple, like - Kasyapa Buddha Temple, Bojue Temple, Hongren Temple, and Reclining Buddha Temple. It has been recorded that the temple has faced many obstacles and renovation. Similarly, the major renovation was done in 2005 CE. In the same year, it was reinstated as a place of worship and one 2006 CE, the temple was reopened for the general public as well as tourists. In July 1st in the same year, the large gathering was observed at the temple and dozens of Buddhists masters blessed a large crowd in this event.
Historical account of the Dafo Temple
It is stated that in the late 11th century, a monk named Sineng Weimie had seen numious lights and heard heavenly sounds coming from a nearby hill at the foot of a mountain. He reached the area and then investigate the reason behind the projected lights and the heavenly sounds. He unearthed a hoard and found out that it included a reclining Buddha statue. He then set for constructing the Buddha temple in order to house the reclining Buddha statue.
It is believed that the great emperors were also associated with the temple. Kublai Khan was born in this temple and the last Song dynasty emperor, Bing became the monk in this temple when he was exiled to Zhangye. But scholars like Ruth W. Dunnell reported that there was no any evidence to support either of these claims.
Reclining Buddha statue at Dafo Temple
The Reclining Buddha statue at the temple is made up of clay on a wooden frame. The statue portrays the Buddha's last moment of attaining parinirvana along with his ten disciples standing behind him. Even though the temple was repaired, the Buddha statue was not touched during the renovation projects. The statue is in original form as constructed during the Western Xia. The total length of this reclining Buddha statue is around 35 meters. Ruth W. Dunnell states while observing reclining Buddha statue as the largest reclining clay Buddha statue in China.
On the other hand, the hall measures 48 m long and 24 m wide with the height of 33 m. Apart from housing the Buddha statue, the hall also includes Qing Dynasty mural. This mural is one of the few wooden structures of its period which survived till date. One can learn from the mural that, the mural shows the story of Xuanzang and his followers. It depicts that the Xuanzang was riding on a horse and the monkey king Sun Wukong was kneeling on the ground.
The temple complex also constitutes Scripture Hall which was added to the lists of national historical and cultural sites. It is believed that the hall of scripture has a double wall behind it which measures 40 meters long and 20 meters in height. Regarding the review report of the temple, the hall of scripture houses 6000 volumes of ancient Buddhist scriptures in the temple complex.
Note: Apart from maintaining the blog on Buddha and Buddhism, we also manage huge collection of various period and regional Buddhist arts in our Buddha shop in the Netherlands and also showcased it in our online Buddha statues gallery. Please feel free to visit and know more about the Buddha statues.
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