Famen Temple, located in Famen Town 120 kilometers northwest of Xi’an, is a fascinating place with an intriguing history. Legend says that in 147 AD, King Asoka of India traveled throughout Asia, distributing Buddhist relics to make up for his sins. He built this temple here and left the fingers of Buddha enshrined here.
The Tang dynasty Emperors would hold processions to show off and worship the fingers. The Tang Emperors offered elaborate gifts to the fingers, each out doing the last emperor in hopes of receiving blessing. However, slowly, belief in this myth dwindled until 1981 when heavy rains revealed the underground shrine by accident. This legend was actually dismissed until 1981 when heavy rains revealed the crypt containing Buddha’s fingers and gifts from the Emperors. Today, this place is a popular attraction for Buddhists from all over the world.
There is a museum at the temple showing the gifts from the Tang Emperors including the ivory 40.3 millimeters long section said to be part of Sakyamuni’s middle finger.
To get there: Take the tourism bus to Fufeng from Pan’s Village bus station out of Xi’an Yuxiangmen Gate, fare is RMB 12.
Admission Fee: Famen Temple CNY 35
Famen Temple Museum CNY 45 (Mar. to Nov.) CNY 30 (Dec. to Feb.)
May 27th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
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