Cloud Platform at Juyongguan
Platform·China·14th century·Tibetan Buddhism (Sakya school)
The Cloud Platform at Juyongguan is a significant mid-14th-century Buddhist structure located at the Juyongguan Pass of the Great Wall of China. Originally serving as the base for three stupas, it is now celebrated for its intricate Buddhist carvings and multilingual inscriptions, making it a key historical and cultural site.
Key Facts
- ›Built between 1342 and 1345 during the Yuan Dynasty, it was part of the Yongming Baoxiang Temple.
- ›Originally designed as a 'crossing street tower' to support three white dagobas.
- ›Features extensive bas-relief carvings of Buddhist imagery, including the four Heavenly Kings.
- ›Contains Buddhist inscriptions in six different scripts: Lanydza, Tibetan, 'Phags-pa, Old Uyghur, Chinese, and Tangut.
- ›Designated as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level by China in 1961.
- ›The structure was restored in the MID-15th century and again in 1961 after a period of neglect.
Important Relationships
- Yongming Baoxiang Temple
- Juyongguan Pass
- Great Wall of China
- Ouyang Xuan
- Gu Yanwu
- Uduman
- Lin Puxian
- Decheng
Bas-Relief Carvings of Buddhist Imagery, Inscriptions In Six Scripts, Passageway With Semi-Octagonal Arches, Marble Balustrade With Dragonhead Gargoyles, Depictions of the Four Heavenly Kings
- Construction Completed Between 1342-1345.
- Two Dagobas Collapsed Or Dismantled By the Early Ming Dynasty.
- Restoration Project From 1443-1500, Including the Construction of Tai'An Temple.
- Tai'An Temple Burned Down In 1702.
- Repaired and Balustrades Restored In 1961.
Yuan Dynasty Architecture
About Cloud Platform at Juyongguan
The Cloud Platform at Juyongguan
The Cloud Platform at Juyongguan is a remarkable architectural and religious monument dating from the mid-14th century, situated within the historic Juyongguan Pass of the Great Wall of China, near Beijing. Originally built between 1342 and 1345 during the Yuan Dynasty, it served as a significant component of the Buddhist Yongming Baoxiang Temple. The structure's unique design as a 'crossing street tower' was intended to support three white dagobas, with a passage running through its base, allowing for the passage of people and carts into the temple grounds.
Historical Context and Development
The platform's construction was a grand imperial undertaking, commissioned by Emperor Huizong. Its location along the route to the summer capital meant it was frequently traversed by the emperor. Over time, the original dagobas deteriorated; by the early Ming Dynasty, two had vanished, and by the mid-15th century, none remained. This led to the structure being known as the "Cloud Platform" due to its appearance of rising from the mists. A substantial restoration project occurred between 1443 and 1450, which included the construction of a wooden Buddhist hall, the Tai'an Temple, atop the platform. This hall was later destroyed by fire in 1702. The platform was subsequently neglected until a significant repair and restoration in 1961. Today, it stands as a preserved historical site, though often overshadowed by the adjacent sections of the Great Wall.
Artistic and Religious Significance
The Cloud Platform is most celebrated for its elaborate Buddhist carvings and its extensive inscriptions in six distinct scripts: Lanydza, Tibetan, 'Phags-pa, Old Uyghur, Chinese, and Tangut. These inscriptions feature Buddhist dharani-sutras and records of merit, reflecting the diverse religious and linguistic landscape of the Yuan Dynasty. The iconography present, including depictions of the Four Heavenly Kings, aligns with the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism, intended to bestow blessings and protection. The platform's dimensions are approximately 28.84 by 17.57 meters at the base, standing 9.5 meters high, and it is adorned with a marble balustrade featuring dragonhead gargoyles.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original purpose of the Cloud Platform at Juyongguan?
The Cloud Platform was originally built as the base for three white dagobas (stupas) and functioned as a 'crossing street tower'. It had a passage through it, allowing pedestrians and carts to pass into the Yongming Baoxiang Temple.
What are the most notable features of the Cloud Platform?
The platform is renowned for its detailed Buddhist carvings, including depictions of the Four Heavenly Kings, and its unique inscriptions in six different scripts. These inscriptions contain Buddhist texts and translations.
When was the Cloud Platform constructed?
Construction of the Cloud Platform took place between 1342 and 1345, during the reign of Emperor Huizong of the Yuan Dynasty. Some scholarly debate exists regarding the exact start date, with suggestions pointing to earlier origins.
What happened to the original dagobas on the platform?
By the early Ming Dynasty, two of the three original dagobas had collapsed or were dismantled. By the reign of the Zhengtong Emperor, none remained. A wooden Buddhist hall was later built in their place during a 15th-century restoration.
What languages and scripts are used in the inscriptions?
The inscriptions feature Buddhist texts and translations in six scripts: Lanydza (for Sanskrit), Tibetan, 'Phags-pa, Old Uyghur, Chinese, and Tangut. These texts include dharani-sutras and records of merit.
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