The History of Arhat Temple

Arhat Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple and monastery, is situated in the downtown area of Chongqing Municipality in southwest of China. Actually, the location of Arhat Temple is a little bit of a surprise – wedged tightly between skyscrapers and apartment blocks. Arhat Temple is one of key Buddhist temples of Han nationality, which is also a Buddhist institution of Chongqing Municipality.

The History of Arhat Temple – Humanistic History

The Arhat Temple formerly knows as Zhiping Temple as first built in the North Song Dynasty (1064 – 1067) and then changed to the current name in Qing Dynasty reign of Emperor Guangxu, for the  Arhat Front Hall collapsed during the Qing Dynasty reign of Emperor Qianlong (in 1752). During the Qing Dynasty reign of Emperor Guangxu (in 1885), a monk named Long Fa rebuilt the Arhat Hall with 500 Arhats counterfeiting Baoguang Temple, and then changed the Arhat Hall into Arhat Temple. Arhat Temple was ruined in the Anti – Japanese War, the Arhat Statues were totally destroyed during Ten Years Upheaval (1966-1976) and reconstructed again by Chinese Government in 1984.

The History of Arhat Temple – Ancient History

Ancient History of Arhat Temple originates from Song Dynasty (1064 - 1067) or even earlier. According to old records of scenic spot of Shu (shu, a nation in ancient China), the temple was built by Zuyue monk in North Song dynasty, it was named Zhiping temple originally. But there is another saying that the Arhat Temple was constructed in Tang Dynasty by another ancient book. Which one is correct doesn't matter, for it couldn't be confirmed nowadays. What important is about the continuity of mass worship of Arhat Temple's. After a hard history of thousands, Arhat Temple only left an impression of prosperity and wane for generations.

In Ming dynasty (1426 - 1435), the Xi'an Monk built monk's hut, lotus pond, and rooms for receiving guests. Xi'an Monk also called Baikui because of a sunflower behind his hut.

An ancient Buddha Rock was built during Ming Dynasty reign of Jiajing years.

Renovated during Qing Dynasty reign of Kangxi years by Governor Li Guoying and rebuilt in Qing Dynasty reign of Qianlong years.

In 1912, Shi Haiqing monk continue to repair the Arhat Temple, he built Law Hall, Commandment Hall, Zen Hall, Reception Hall, and View Hall etc, the Arhat had a grand scale.

During Qing Dynasty reign of Guangxu (in 1885), Rongfa monk imitated Baoguang Temple to build 500 Arhat Hall, thus Arhat Temple became famous.

The History of Arhat Temple – Modern History

During the Sino – Japnaese War period, July in 1940, Arhat Temple was bombed by Japnese Military Aircraft. Arhat Temple was completely destroyed almost at that time, leaving only the entrance door and Buddha Caved Stone States. Later then renewed the Main Hall, Sutra Mansion, Arhat Hall and the Doorplate of Temple by temple patriarch.

During Ten Years Upheaval (1966 - 1976), the red guards broke into Arhat Temple and destroyed all of the Arhants. That's a hard time in Chinese history without any belief, religion, Buddhism, history, even the dignity. The steps cracked at the time when red guards climbed to damage the Daxiong Main Palace. Some one arrived in time to prevent a more thorough destruction. But people prefer to believe there was a god over there to protect them.

May 1st, 1986, Arhat Temple was opened to public again after tewo years of reconstruction.