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Xian, the capital of the Shaanxi Province in China boasts of quite a considerable number of tourist attractions like museum, parks, palaces, mausoleums, tombs, towers and temples. The Xiangji Temple, Xian is one of the eminent temples in Xian popular among the visitors. Positioned in the Chan'an County about 17.5 kilometers to the south of Xian city, the Xiangji Temple was built by Huai Yun to recognize the accomplishments and the contributions of his teacher Shandao, who was a Buddhist monk and who pioneered Pure Land Buddhism. The name of the temple indicates that Shandao was as pious as the sacred ancient Indian Buddha – Xiangji Buddha. The Pure Land Buddhists believing in the purging of the soul through religious belief started organizing various functions within the temple itself. This was the reason why gradually this temple came to be known as the heart of the Pure Land Buddhism. The Xiangji Temple, Xian features two pagodas – a larger pagoda and a smaller pagoda. The former is called the Shandao Pagoda. Built during the Tang Dynasty in 680, it stands on a height of about 33 meters. The pagoda now consists of eleven stories. The sides are decorated with figures of amazingly carved half-naked Buddha along with many scriptures. The smaller pagoda is situated on the eastern side. It is made of brick and was built in the memory of Jingye – an ardent follower of Shandao. The areas around these pagodas offer glorious and charming views amidst a serene atmosphere. The Xiangji Temple, Xian was in its full glory and grace during the Tang Dynasty. Wang Wei a famous poet visited the temple and composed a poem admiring the beauty of this temple. Emperor Zhongzong and Emperor Gaozong, and the Empress Wu Zetian had also paid their valuable visits to this temple, thereby increasing its importance all the more. At present, the visitors thronging the city of Xian make it a point to visit this temple.
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