Caotang Temple is one of the oldest temples of China located in historical Xi’an city is the capital of Shaanxi province in West China. The city is famous for many historical sites including the terracotta army inside the QinShi Huang Mausoleum. An Indian monk, Kumarjiva, travelled to China in the fourth century AD and translated Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit to Chinese here and Caotang temple became a Buddhist Monastery. The temple was founded in 401 AD. Kumarjiva was a master of Buddhism and knew many languages. Because of Kumarjiva this temple became Bodhimanda and birthplace of three treatise schools. Bodhimanda is a term used in Buddhism meaning the “position of awakening”.
There is a statue of Kumarjiva made out of wood in the temple. The Hall of Heavenly Kings is the largest hall of the temple. There is also a mist well in the temple complex. After Kumarjiva passed away, his students built a stupa in his name. Stupa is 2.5 meter high and made out of jade stone and marble, and showcases exquisite hand-crafted details. Kumarjiva’s stupa has the relic of his tongue. Kumarjiva was perfect in his translations and would always say that if he made any mistake in translations his tongue would burn. His tongue remained unburned. The roof of main structures is with juan peng ridges, known as juanpeng roofs or parabolic roof, these are the iconic features of Chinese traditional architecture. Chinese architecture is characterised by bilateral symmetry which signifies balance, use of open spaces and emphasis on horizontality. The projected hierarchy and its importance in Chinese architecture is based on the strict placement of buildings in a complex. Buildings with doors facing the front of the complex are considered more important than those facing the sides. These features have remained alive for thousands of years in spite of fast modernisation.
Architecturally, the temple features are not only beautiful but are capable of highlighting the memorable contribution of Kumarjiva, which have been kept alive till date through this temple. Architecture is the best medium to keep history alive, and is truly reflected through these temples.
