Yuantu Temple

Yuantu Temple

Yuantu Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Yuantu Temple is located to the north of Dong’erzu Village, 18 li northwest of Cheng’an County (the village originally belonged to Fuyang County and Ci County. After 1945, it was incorporated into Cheng’an County). According to the *Ci County Annals*, Yuantu Temple was first built in the 16th year of the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty (642 AD), and a pagoda was erected within the temple in the 20th year of the Kaiyuan era (732 AD) to enshrine the relics of the Second Patriarch Master Huikai. In the 12th year of the Yuanhe era (817 AD), Li Chaozheng, the military supervisor of the Zhaoyi Army, erected a stele in front of the pagoda. The pagoda was rebuilt twice, once in the 2nd year of the Yuanfu era of the Tang Dynasty and again in the 2nd year of the Jiayou era of the Song Dynasty. In the 2nd year of the Mingdao era (1033 AD), the temple was bestowed the name “Guangci Chan Monastery.” In the 3rd year of the Yuanyou era (1100 AD), it was renamed to its current title.

According to Buddhist historical texts, Bodhidharma came to China to spread the Dharma but, unable to find a worthy disciple, meditated facing a wall for nine years. Huike cut off his own arm in the snow to seek true transmission, becoming the first patriarch of the Chan (Zen) lineage. It remains a serene place for spiritual practice and cultivation.

Historically, Yuantu Temple was grand in scale and imposing in presence, featuring a three-courtyard layout. In front of the temple was a square covering over 20 mu, with the temple gate facing south. The first courtyard housed the Mahavira Hall, in front of which stood statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. The second courtyard featured the Pagoda of the Second Patriarch’s Relics, standing nine zhang three chi tall with a lotus top one zhang eight chi high. The second level was a covered pavilion, and the top three levels were enclosed, each with an octagonal shape adorned with copper bells. Each level of the pagoda chamber contained Buddha statues. Visitors could climb to the top of the pagoda through the north gate to enjoy views stretching dozens of li. The south gate of the pagoda led to a single Buddha hall, where a vivid statue of the Second Patriarch Huikai was enshrined. Below the pagoda lay the Bao Gong Palace, housing a stone coffin suspended in midair by iron chains. Inside the stone coffin was a silver inner coffin containing the relics of the Second Patriarch Huikai. The palace walls were painted with colorful murals depicting the Eight Immortals. The ceiling featured a pair of cranes in flight. The stone coffin was intricately carved with fine patterns, and two longevity lamps stood in front of it. Surrounding it were 18 gilded arhat statues and copper coins, among other items.

To the north of the pagoda stood the Mahavira Hall, housing a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, with a statue of Skanda positioned at the front. On either side of the hall were rows of meditation rooms. At the very rear was a scenic area featuring two viewing towers. In front of and to the sides of the towers were …, with the Rear Seat Hall situated directly in front of the towers.