Abbot of Shaolin Temple Shi Yongxin. (File photo/Chinanews.com)

The world famous Shaolin Temple has called for legal action following an accusation that abbot Shi Yongxin is a "giant tiger," a term used for corrupt officials.

The remark appeared online last Saturday, posted under the name "Shi Zhengyi." Shaolin Temple fired back Sunday with a written clarification on its official website.

According to Shaolin, the accusation aimed to defame the abbot and the temple with vicious slander.

Under the name "Shaolin insider Shi Zhengyi," the accuser published false claims online, which went viral, according to the temple. The acts severely damaged the reputation of Abbot Shi, as well as the image of the temple, it added.

Shaolin Temple is citing Criminal Law and Internet regulations and calling on authorities to arrest Shi Zhengyi for libel.