Luohan Temple (Shifang) Explained

Luohan Temple
Native Name:罗汉寺
Native Name Lang:zh
Map Type:Sichuan#China
Coordinates:31.1355°N 104.1668°W
Religious Affiliation:Buddhism
Deity:Linji school
Leadership:Shi Suquan
Festivals:-->
Location:Shifang, Sichuan
Country:China
Architecture Style:Chinese architecture
Established:709
Year Completed:Qing dynasty (reconstruction)
Date Destroyed:-->

Luohan Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Shifang, Sichuan, China. The temple is known as the "Buddhist Capital of Western Sichuan".

History

The original temple dates back to 709, during the region of Emperor Zhongzong of the Tang dynasty (618 - 907). At that time, Mazu Daoyi received ordination as a monk and studied in the temple.

Luohan Temple was badly damaged in wars in 1368. Three years later it was reconstructed. The temple was devastated by wars again in 1644, the year of the fall of the Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644). The modern temple was restored and redecorated by abbots Shi Nuan, Yuerong and Liting in the Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911).

On May 12, 2008, the Sichuan earthquake broke out, the Maternal and Child Care Service Centre of Shifang was moved to Luohan Temple, a total of 108 babies were born in the temple.[1]

Architecture

Shanmen

Under the eaves is a plaque with the Chinese characters "Luohan Temple" written by Ji Yingxiong, the magistrate of Chengdu during the Kangxi period of the Qing dynasty.

Hall of Four Heavenly Kings

The statues of Maitreya Buddha, Skanda and Four Heavenly Kings are enshrined in the Hall of Four Heavenly Kings.

Mahavira Hall

The Mahavira Hall is the main hall in the temple. In the middle is Sakyamuni, statues of Ananda and Kassapa Buddha stand on the left and right sides of Sakyamuni's statue.

Arhat Hall

The Arhat Hall enshrining the 500 statues of Arhat.

Film

Luohan Temple was used for location filming of the 2018 drama film 108.[2] [3]

Notes and References

  1. News: Chen Shu . Zhang Hailei. Wu Wenxu. http://news.21cn.com/hot/cn/a/2018/0508/14/32914573.shtml . zh:罗汉寺与108个震后“罗汉娃” . 21cn.com . 2018-05-08 . zh.
  2. News: http://ent.163.com/18/0304/09/DC1U0OSU000333J5.html . zh:院线电影《一百零八》罗汉寺隆重开机 . 163.com . 2018-03-04 . zh.
  3. News: http://3g.163.com/news/article_zhwnl/DEA99548051492T3.html . zh:电影《一百零八》紧张拍摄 吴京现身什邡罗汉寺拍摄现场 . 163.com . 2018-04-01 . zh.