Chanding Temple (禅定寺), also known as Zhuoni Grand Temple, has its full name in Tibetan as Gadan Xiezhou Dangzeng Dajilong. It is situated on a highland about half a kilometer northwest of Zhuoni County. The temple is surrounded by peaks, with the Tao River winding below like a jade belt, making it an ideal place for the propagation of Buddhism.
The architecture of Chanding Temple is a harmonious blend of Tibetan and Han styles. The entire complex is densely packed with structures, lavishly adorned, and surrounded by lush greenery. The high walls of the temple provide a serene environment, isolating it from the hustle and bustle of the city. The main buildings include the Grand Sutra Hall, the School of Philosophy, the School of Astronomy, the Esoteric School, the Debate Institute, and the monk’s administrative offices. The temple also houses three stupas dedicated to the master Zhaba Xiezhuma, containing three relics of the revered high monk. Additionally, there are over ten thousand volumes of Buddhist scriptures preserved here.
The temple’s history dates back to the late Jin and early Yuan dynasties. In 1295, when Kublai Khan invited Phagpa, the Sakya Lama from Tibet, to the mainland to teach Buddhism, he passed through Zhuoni Valley. Struck by the area’s natural beauty, with its lush pine and cypress trees and clear waters, Phagpa ordered his disciples to build a sutra hall here and to recruit monks to spread Buddhist teachings. Thus, Chanding Temple was established.
As the oldest Buddhist temple in the Amdo region, Chanding Temple predates the famous Labrang Monastery in Xiahe by over 400 years. Before Labrang Monastery was established, Chanding Temple played a dominant role in the religious and cultural life of the Tibetan people in Gannan. Its historical significance and architectural grandeur make it a remarkable site for those interested in Buddhist culture and history.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Chanding Temple
-
Major Religious Festivals and Ceremonies
- Great Prayer Festival in the First Lunar Month
- Spring Mid-Term Sutra Assembly in the Third Lunar Month
- Great Dharma Assembly in the Fourth Lunar Month
- Mani Blessing Sutra Assembly in the Fifth Lunar Month
- Vow-Making Assembly in the Sixth Lunar Month
- Autumn Sutra Assembly in the Seventh Lunar Month
- Autumn Mid-Term Sutra Assembly in the Eighth Lunar Month
- Mulanmu Festival in the Ninth Lunar Month
- Commemoration of Tsongkhapa’s Parinirvana on the 25th Day of the Tenth Lunar Month
- Winter Sutra Assembly in the Eleventh Lunar Month
- Cham Dance Festival on the 29th Day of the Twelfth Lunar Month
- Great “Tachanggar” Ritual Dance Ceremony
- Impressive Collection of Buddhist Statues
-
Major Religious Festivals and Ceremonies
- Vlog about Chanding Temple
- History of Chanding Temple
- Iconic Attractions in Ganna
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 18.00 |
Location and Transportation
Chanding Temple is located on a plateau about half a kilometer northwest of Zhuoni County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. It is situated with the Ami Rigo Mountain as its backdrop.
To reach Chanding Temple from Lanzhou, you can take a bus from Lanzhou South Bus Station to Zhuoni. Buses depart at 6:20 AM, 6:40 AM, and 10:05 AM, with a travel time of approximately 4 hours. The fare is around 79.5 yuan per person.
Highlights of Chanding Temple
Major Religious Festivals and Ceremonies
Chanding Temple is a notable Tibetan Buddhist monastery renowned for its significant religious events and ceremonies. The temple, with its rich history and architectural splendor, serves as a central hub for various traditional Buddhist practices and festivals. Here are the main highlights and activities of Chanding Temple:
Great Prayer Festival in the First Lunar Month
- Duration: 15 days.
- Activities: On the 14th day, monks perform the Cham dance (a ritual dance). On the 15th, they offer butter sculptures to the Buddha. The 16th day features another Cham dance, the chanting of the “Jibur” sutra by the Esoteric College, food offerings, and rituals to dispel evil spirits.
Spring Mid-Term Sutra Assembly in the Third Lunar Month
- Duration: 15 days.
- Activities: Each monastic college conducts separate prayer sessions and religious practices.
Great Dharma Assembly in the Fourth Lunar Month
- Activities: Includes sutra chanting, an examination on esoteric teachings, the circumambulation of Buddha statues, and the creation of a sand mandala by the Esoteric College.
Mani Blessing Sutra Assembly in the Fifth Lunar Month
- Duration: 7 days.
- Activities: Summer prayer sessions are held by various monastic colleges.
Vow-Making Assembly in the Sixth Lunar Month
- Duration: 7 days.
- Activities: Features Cham dances dedicated to the Treasure Buddha and the ceremonial display of large Buddha images.
Autumn Sutra Assembly in the Seventh Lunar Month
- Duration: One month.
- Activities: The Esoteric College performs rituals associated with the Great Liberation Buddha Mandala.
Autumn Mid-Term Sutra Assembly in the Eighth Lunar Month
- Duration: 20 days.
- Activities: The Jigpa College conducts the Fearsome Vajra Mandala rituals.
Mulanmu Festival in the Ninth Lunar Month
- Activities: Hosted by the Exoteric College, it includes the Great Bathing and Consecration Ceremony by the Esoteric and Exoteric Colleges.
Commemoration of Tsongkhapa’s Parinirvana on the 25th Day of the Tenth Lunar Month
- Activities: Observance of the death anniversary of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug sect.
Winter Sutra Assembly in the Eleventh Lunar Month
- Duration: One month.
- Activities: Various prayer sessions and religious practices.
Cham Dance Festival on the 29th Day of the Twelfth Lunar Month
- Activities: Features Cham dances, food offerings, and rituals to dispel evil spirits.
Great “Tachanggar” Ritual Dance Ceremony
- Held every three years on the 16th day of the first lunar month.
- Significance: A grand ritual dance aimed at exorcising evil spirits and protecting the community.
- Attendance: Attracts large crowds from Min County, Lintan County, Zhuoni County, and other regions, making it a highly anticipated and well-attended event.
Impressive Collection of Buddhist Statues
Chanding Temple is renowned not only for its historical and architectural grandeur but also for its impressive collection of Buddhist statues and sculptures. These sacred relics and artistic creations offer profound insights into Buddhist art and spiritual practices. Here is a detailed exploration of the highlights of Chanding Temple’s collection, focusing on the various statues and their historical significance.
Shakyamuni Twelve Great Deeds Statue
One of the most revered statues at Chanding Temple is the Shakyamuni Twelve Great Deeds Statue. According to tradition, this statue was sculpted by Nagarjuna (Longchenpa) using clay from the Dragon Palace. This rare religious treasure was gifted to Chanding Temple by the 45th Ganden Tripa, Jue Nai, and the Seventh Dalai Lama, Khedrup Chökyi Gyaltsen. During the Cultural Revolution, the statue was preserved by a lama named Cangke Banma, and in 1981, it was returned to the temple. The statue represents the twelve great deeds of Shakyamuni Buddha, each illustrating significant events in his life, and serves as a central piece in Chanding Temple’s spiritual practices and offerings.
Great Compassionate King Relic Statue
The Great Compassionate King Relic Statue is a revered relic representing one of Tsongkhapa’s eight great disciples. It is believed that during his lifetime, the Great Compassionate King created 84 statues of himself, and this particular statue contains his relics. It was a significant gift to Chanding Temple, representing the historical and spiritual heritage of the Gelug tradition.
Sandalwood Statue of the Treasure Guardian
The Sandalwood Statue of the Treasure Guardian (also known as the Dharmapala Statue) is made from rare sandalwood from India, which is known for its longevity and sacred properties. This statue, which depicts Vaisravana, the northern guardian deity, was a treasured possession of the Panchen Lama’s monastery and was gifted to Chanding Temple in the Qing Dynasty. The statue is a symbol of protection and prosperity, reflecting the historical exchange of religious gifts between Tibetan and Qing authorities.
Clay Figure of Yama Protector
The Yama Protector Clay Figure (Dam-can-chos-rgyal) is traditionally believed to have been sculpted by the Fifth Dalai Lama. This intricate clay sculpture represents Yama, the lord of death, who plays a critical role in Buddhist cosmology and practices. This statue, with its intricate details and profound symbolism, reflects the artistic and religious significance of the Fifth Dalai Lama’s contributions to Tibetan Buddhist art and doctrine.
Black Stone Six-Armed Guardian Statue
The Black Stone Six-Armed Guardian Statue originates from India and was a protective deity brought to Chanding Temple by Jue Nai Chökyi Gyaltsen. This statue represents a powerful guardian deity with six arms, symbolizing the ability to overcome obstacles and protect practitioners from malevolent forces. It is one of the most esteemed artifacts in Chanding Temple’s collection and serves as a testament to the cross-cultural religious exchanges between Tibet and India.
Wooden Statue of the God of Wealth
The Wooden Statue of the God of Wealth made from sandalwood is another significant piece in Chanding Temple. Known as Vaisravana, this deity is a central figure in Tibetan Buddhism, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. This statue, believed to have been a gift from the Panchen Lama’s court, highlights the historical connections between Tibetan religious leaders and Chanding Temple.
Mud Sculpture of the Buddha’s Past Lives
The Mud Sculpture of the Buddha’s Past Lives is an ancient artifact that portrays various episodes from the Buddha’s previous incarnations. This mud sculpture is a rare example of early Tibetan Buddhist art and serves as a visual narrative of the Buddha’s journey towards enlightenment. The sculpture’s preservation and display in Chanding Temple offer visitors a glimpse into the historical art forms of Tibetan Buddhism.
Sandalwood Statue of Dharmapala
The Sandalwood Statue of Dharmapala represents one of the protective deities in Tibetan Buddhism. Made from precious sandalwood, this statue was given to Chanding Temple as a symbol of protection and spiritual guidance. It continues to be a focal point for worship and spiritual practice within the temple.
Vlog about Chanding Temple
History of Chanding Temple
Early History
In the late Tang dynasty, during the anti-Buddhist campaigns led by Tibetan King Langdarma, many Tibetan monks fled and continued their practice in the Tao River region. According to “The History of Politics and Religion in Amdo,” the Yerwa Temple behind Zhuoni Mountain was built during the Northern Song dynasty, and the Zhuoni Nyingma Temple was also likely established around the same time.
During the late Jin and early Yuan periods, as the Mongol Khanate expanded its control over the northwest, Kublai Khan invited the Sakya Lama, Phagpa, from Tibet to the mainland to preach. Passing through Zhuoni Valley, Phagpa was struck by the area’s natural beauty and instructed his disciple, Sakyapa Geishi Shiray Yixi, to construct a sutra hall there and gather disciples to spread Buddhist teachings. The temple, initially built in 1295, marked the establishment of the Sakya sect in the region. According to Tibetan scriptures, Phagpa gifted the temple a rare statue of Shakyamuni Buddha carved from sandalwood as a foundational offering, a relic that remains preserved today.
Ming Dynasty
During the Yongle reign of the Ming dynasty, the local Zhuoni chieftain was granted authority over both political and religious affairs by the imperial court, allowing for the hereditary succession of both the chieftainship and the religious leadership. With the support of nineteen generations of the Yang chieftains, the temple flourished. It underwent continuous expansions and renovations, growing into a large complex with multiple Buddha halls and a protective wall, becoming one of the three major Buddhist temples in the Gansu and Qinghai Tibetan areas.
In 1455, Renqing Longbu, a monk from Chanding Temple and brother of the third-generation chieftain, traveled to Tibet to study under the founder of the Gelug sect, Tsongkhapa. Upon returning to Zhuoni, Renqing Longbu reformed the temple’s practices to align with the Gelug sect, renaming it “Gadan Xiezhou Lin” and instituting strict monastic regulations. In 1501, the temple’s name was changed to “Dangzeng Dajilong.”
Qing Dynasty
In 1710, the Kangxi Emperor summoned the eleventh-generation chieftain Yang Rusong’s brother, Awang Chule Jiacuo, the temple’s abbot, to Beijing. He was honored with the title of Grand Lama and granted the imperial plaque “Chanding Temple,” which was engraved above the temple’s gate. The temple’s fame grew, and it reached a peak of prosperity with over 3,100 monks at its height.
Decline and Reconstruction
The temple’s fortunes declined during the late Qing period due to repeated wars and conflicts, leading to a gradual decrease in the number of monks. In 1927, the temple suffered significant damage during the uprisings led by Ma Zhongying, Ma Tingxian, and Ma Puxi, resulting in the destruction of precious cultural relics and the burning of the renowned Zhuoni woodblock edition of the Tibetan Buddhist canon, the Kanjur and Tanjur.
Although efforts were made to rebuild the temple under the nineteenth-generation chieftain and religious leader Yang Jiqing, including the construction of new sutra halls and Buddha halls, the number of monks never returned to its former levels, with only about 400 remaining.
After Yang Jiqing’s death, his four-year-old son Yang Danzhu was named temple leader and later received the title “Fujiao Pujue Zen Master Danju Hutuktu” from the Republic of China government. The temple continued to expand, adding a School of Astronomy and Calendrics, a School of Ritual Dance, and various stupas and Buddha halls, until the establishment of the People’s Republic of China.
Modern Era
During the Cultural Revolution, the temple was dismantled, and its monks were dispersed. In 1978, following the implementation of new religious policies, Chanding Temple was approved for reopening. Since 1981, extensive reconstruction efforts have been undertaken, including the rebuilding of the Grand Sutra Hall, three monastic schools (Philosophy, Esotericism, and Kalachakra), the Debate Institute, and over 80 additional structures.
Today, Chanding Temple is home to more than 150 monks and is gradually regaining its former glory. The temple’s entrance is adorned with a plaque inscribed by Zhao Puchu, the former president of the Buddhist Association of China and a renowned calligrapher, marking the resurgence of this historic and culturally significant temple in the Amdo Tibetan region.
