Shifang Temple

Shifang Temple
Guangren Temple
十方堂
Religion
AffiliationBuddhism
SectGelug
Location
LocationMount Wutai, Xinzhou, Shanxi
CountryChina
Shifang Temple is located in Shanxi
Shifang Temple
Shown within Shanxi
Geographic coordinates39°00′52″N 113°36′18″E / 39.01458°N 113.604942°E / 39.01458; 113.604942
Architecture
StyleChinese architecture
Date established1821–1850

Shifang Temple (Chinese: 十方堂; pinyin: Shífāng Táng), also known as Guangren Temple (simplified Chinese: 广仁寺; traditional Chinese: 廣仁寺; pinyin: Guǎngrén Sì), is a Buddhist temple located on Mount Wutai, in Taihuai Town of Wutai County, Shanxi, China.[1]

History

The temple was first established in the Daoguang period (1821–1850) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911).[1]

In 1983, it has been designated as a National Key Buddhist Temple in Han Chinese Area by the State Council of China.

Architecture

The temple occupies an area of 3,645-square-metre (39,230 sq ft) with 54 rooms and halls. The extant structure is based on the Qing dynasty building principles and retains the traditional architectural style. The temple is divided into three countyards with three halls, namely the Hall of Four Heavenly Kings, Hall of Maitreya and Hall of Je Tsongkhapa.[2]

Hall of Maitreya

The Hall of Maitreya enshrining Maitreya Buddha, who is regarded as the future Buddha and Sakyamuni's successor.[1]

A set of Kangyur which was printed between 1821 and 1850 is preserved in the hall.[1]

Hall of Je Tsongkhapa

The Hall of Je Tsongkhapa houses a copper statue of Je Tsongkhapa, who was a famous teacher of Tibetan Buddhism whose activities led to the formation of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. In the two interior walls one thousand miniature Buddha statues are inlaid in the alcoves.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e 拜谒十方堂. Sohu (in Chinese (China)). 2017-12-04. Retrieved 2020-01-06.
  2. ^ 十方堂 (in Chinese (China)). Shanxi Government. 2015-04-21. Retrieved 2020-01-06.