Da Xing Shan Temple in Xi'an, Shaanxi

Da Xing Shan Temple, one of the 'Eight Sects of Buddhism' and the ancestral home of the 'Esoteric Sect', was a royal temple during the Sui and Tang dynasties and one of the three major translation sites in Chang'an. The 'Chang'an Records' Volume 7 states: 'The temple is grand and wide, the best in the capital.' Da Xing Shan Temple was first built in the second year of Emperor Wu of Jin's reign (266 AD), originally named 'Zun Shan Temple', and has a history of over 1700 years, making it one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Xi'an. During the Kaihuang era of Emperor Wen of Sui, when Xi'an was expanded into Da Xing City, the temple occupied a block in Jing Shan Fang. It was named 'Da Xing Shan Temple' after the city and the block, and has retained this name ever since. During the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty, Indian monks such as Dhana and Damo Jitu came to Chang'an and translated Buddhist scriptures at Da Xing Shan Temple. During the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty, Indian monks such as Shan Wuwei, Vajrabodhi, and Amoghavajra stayed at the temple, translated scriptures, established altars, and spread the Esoteric Sect. This was carried on by Yixing and Huiguo, forming a vast and profound treasure trove of Buddhist culture - Tangmi, which was later spread to Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc. by Kukai and Saicho, and has had a wide and long-lasting influence. Da Xing Shan Temple has become a globally recognized ancestral home of Chinese Buddhism's Tangmi. During the Sui and Tang dynasties, Buddhism was prevalent in Chang'an. Monks from India came to Chang'an to preach and study, translating Buddhist scriptures and teaching the Esoteric Sect at the temple. Da Xing Shan Temple thus became one of the three major translation sites in Chang'an at the time, and a memorable place in the history of Sino-Indian cultural exchange. National leaders have accompanied Indian Prime Minister Modi on a visit here.