| Langya Temple | |
| Native Name: | 琅琊寺 |
| Native Name Lang: | zh |
| Coordinates: | 32.2808°N 118.2905°W |
| Religious Affiliation: | Buddhism |
| Sect: | Chan Buddhism |
| Festivals: | --> |
| Location: | Langya District of Chuzhou, Anhui, China |
| Architecture Style: | Chinese architecture |
| Founded By: | Li Youqing Fachen |
| Established: | 766 - 770 |
| Year Completed: | 1904 (reconstruction) |
| Date Destroyed: | --> |
Langya Temple is a Buddhist temple located on Mount Langya, in Langya District of Chuzhou, Anhui, China.[1] [2]
The temple was first built by the then provincial governor of Chuzhou Li Youqing and monk Fachen between 766 and 770, during the reign of Dali period (766 - 779) in the Tang dynasty (618 - 907).[2] After construction, Emperor Daizong (763 - 779) honored the name "Baoying Temple" .
The temple was devastated by war between 954 and 960, during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907 - 960), but was soon rebuilt by the provincial governor Wang Zhu .
In 978, in the 3rd year of Taiping Xingguo period (976 - 984) in the Song dynasty (960 - 1279), Emperor Taizong (976 - 997) inscribed and renamed it "Kaihua Chan Temple", more commonly known as "Langya Temple" .
Langya Temple was badly damaged by war between the Mongolian and the Red Turban Rebellion in the late Yuan dynasty (1291 - 1368).
After Zhu Yuanzhang (1368 - 1398) ascending the throne, the founder of the Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644), also adopted the policy to protect Buddhism. In 1373, monks Shaoning and Wuwei restored and refurbished the temple under the support of the government.
In the ruling of Jiaqing Emperor (1796 - 1820) in the Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911), master Haoqing renovated and redecorated the temple. The name was changed into "Kaihualü Temple" .
Langya Temple became dilapidated during the war between the Taiping Rebellion and the Qing army under the rule of Xianfeng Emperor (1851 - 1861).
In 1904, in the reign of Guangxu Emperor (1862 - 1874), master Daxiu raised funds to rebuild the temple.
After the establishment of the Communist State in 1952, the Chuzhou Municipal Government has allocated moneys for the renovation project.
The temple was inscribed to the Provincial-level Cultural Heritage List of Anhui by the Anhui Provincial Government in 1956.
Langya Temple has been designated as a National Key Buddhist Temple in Han Chinese Area by the State Council of China in 1983.
In June 1990, the Temple of Ultimate Happiness in Yangon, Myanmar presented a 1.2m (03.9feet) high sitting statue of Sakyamuni to the temple.
The existing main buildings include the Shanmen, Four Heavenly Kings Hall, Bell tower, Drum tower, Mahavira Hall and Buddhist Texts Library.[3]