Longmen Grottoes, China:
In the south of the Luoyang City the Longmen Gottoes are situated. Between the Mount Longmen and Mount Xiang and face of Yi River they are located. In China’s inscriptions as the most famous three treasure houses Longmen Grottoes, Mago Caves and Yungang Caves are well known.
When the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534) Emperor moved his capital to Luoyang then the building works of the grottoes were started around the year 493 and until the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) during the 400 years were continuously built. From north to south the scenery measures 1,000 meters (about 1,094 yard) and there are more than 2,300 niches and holes, 100,000 statues, 40 dagobas, 2,800 steles and 1,300 caves. Most of them were built during the Northern Wei Dynasty and of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) the age flourishing. In the Longmen Grottoes contains many historical materials which includes religion, art, calligraphy, music, costume, architecture and medicine.
Fengxian Temple:
During the time of Tang Dynasty Fengxian Temple was built and in the Kongmen Temple it is the largest one which length is 41 meters (about 136 feet) and width is 36 meters (about 118 feet). In the temple for various temperaments and appearances there are nine major figures in accordance their relationships by the artists and with the rite of Buddhist that were built.
On the eight-square lotus throne the Vairocana Buddha sitting cross-legged statue is the most impressive figure of this temple. The total height of this statue is 17.14 meters (about 56.23 feet), the height of its head is 4 meters (about 13 feet) and in length the ears are 1.9 meters (about 6.2 feet). In the sutra all things illuminating means the Vairocana. The Buddha has an elegant smile, a kindly and sacred expression and a very well-filled figure. In the ceremony of Introducing the Light took part the Empress Wu Zetian with her subjects, according to the epigraph record.
There are two more statues beside the Vairocana Buddha’s who were his disciples, Ananda and Kasyapa, both of their statues expressions are devout and wearing prudent. In the temple can also be found the figures of Bodhisattvas and devans. While others are the fiery and majestic expressions some have genial and dignified expressions too. The high crystallization of the people’s wisdoms as well as the Empire Tang’s spiritual strength and powerful material are representing by the various delicate designs and appearances.
Wanfo Cave:
In 680 Wanfo Cave was completed. This cave has square flat roof, two rooms and of the Tang Dynasty a typical chronological cave. In the northern and southern walls of the cave chiseled 15,000 small statues of the Buddha for this reason its name is Wanfo Cave. On the lotus Sumeru throne sits the main Buddha Amida, with a solemn and composed expression. With 54 lotuses is carved the wall behind the Amida and with various expressions and different shapes there are 54 Bodhisattvas.
On the wall there are charming and pretty dancers and singers lifelike reliefs as an addition. By various kinds of instruments the singers are accompanied and to the music gracefully and lightly the dancers dances. A cheerful and lively atmosphere has created in the whole cave by the model. Outside the cave a statue is carved on the southern wall of Kwan-yin which height is 85 centimeters, in the left hand holding a pure bottle and in the right hand there’s deer tails. Among the Longmen statues of Tang Dynasty regarded as an example of Bodhisattva this figure is designed. There are some more famous caves in the Lohgmen such as Guyang Cave, Binyang Cave and Lotus Cave also known as Lianhua Cave for the visitor.
According to the China Odyssey Tours every year 1.1 million people visits this place. In addition there is Prescription Cave and on the wall 140 prescriptions engraved which is the proof of ancient China’s medical achievements. Other temples and caves in the Longmen Grottoes can attract the visitors as the example the Huangfugong Cave, Qianxi Temple and Xiangshan Temple.
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