Banruo Temple (Changchun)

Banruo Temple (Changchun), also known as Bo're Temple or Huguo Bo're Temple (Prajna Temple), is a prominent Buddhist temple situated in the Nanguan District of Changchun, Jilin province, China. It holds the distinction of being the largest Buddhist temple in Changchun and was recognized as a National Key Buddhist Temple in Han Chinese Areas by the State Council of China in 1983.

History and Development

The temple's origins trace back to 1923 when the esteemed Master Tanxu visited Changchun, then the capital of Jilin province, to lecture on the Heart Sutra. Following his teachings, Master Tanxu established the Bo're Temple. However, the temple's early existence was disrupted by the September 18th Incident in 1931, which led to the Japanese army's occupation of Changchun. To facilitate railway construction, the original Bo're Temple was demolished.

In 1934, the temple was relocated to Changchun Street and given the new name "Huguo Bo're Temple" (Temple of Protecting the Nation, Prajna). Reconstruction efforts continued, with the Shanmen (temple gate), Tianwang Hall (Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings), and Daxiongbao Hall (Main Hall) successively completed by 1936. Master Tanxu presided over a consecration ceremony for the newly built structures.

Architecture and Layout

The rebuilt Banruo Temple covers an expansive area of 14,000 square meters (150,000 sq ft). The architectural complex is thoughtfully arranged into three distinct courtyards. A central axis guides visitors through the core of the temple, featuring seven significant buildings: the Shanmen, Tianwang Hall, Mi Le Hall, Daxiongbao Hall, Xifang Sansheng Hall (Hall of the Three Sages of the West), and Zangjing Ge (Scripture Repository).

Flanking the central axis are subsidiary structures, including a Drum Tower and a Bell Tower, along with various wing-rooms, contributing to the temple's comprehensive design. The Shanmen itself is adorned with a plaque bearing the name "Huguo Bo're Temple" and is flanked by two guardian Chinese lions.

Sacred Imagery

Within the Tianwang Hall, a statue of Mi Le (Maitreya) is enshrined, with a statue of Weituo positioned at its rear. The hall also houses statues of the Four Heavenly Kings on its left and right sides. The Daxiongbao Hall, serving as the temple's main hall, contains a central statue of Shijiamouni (Sakyamuni), with a statue of Guanyin behind it. The sides of the hall are lined with statues of the Eighteen Arhats. The Xifang Sansheng Hall is dedicated to the Three Sages of the West, featuring statues of Amituofo, Guanyin, and Dashizhi.