Shuanggui Temple
Shuanggui Temple, originally named Fuguo Temple, is a significant Buddhist temple located in Jindai Town, Chongqing, China. Founded in 1653 by the accomplished Chan master Poshan Haiming, it is renowned for its two osmanthus fragrans trees, which give it its common name, meaning 'Temple of Two Osmanthus Fragrans Trees'. The temple is recognized as a National Key Buddhist Temple and a Major National Historical and Cultural Site.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1653 as Fuguo Temple by Chan master Poshan Haiming.
- ›Also known as Shuanggui Temple due to the presence of two osmanthus fragrans trees.
- ›Listed as a National Key Buddhist Temple in the Han Chinese Area in 1983.
- ›Designated as a Major National Historical and Cultural Site in Chongqing in 2013.
- ›Buildings include the Shanmen, Mahavira Hall, Maitreya Hall, and five Hundred Arhats Hall.
- ›The Mahavira Hall, built in 1653, features 72 stone pillars and houses statues of Sakyamuni, Ananda, and Kassapa Buddha.
Important Relationships
- Poshan Haiming
- Two Osmanthus Fragrans Trees
- Mahavira Hall With 72 Stone Pillars
- Statues of Sakyamuni, Ananda, and Kassapa Buddha
- Statues of Eighteen Arhats, Manjushri, and Samantabhadra
- Five Hundred Arhats Hall With Life-Like Arhat Statues
- Founded As Fuguo Temple In 1653.
- Protected Relics During the Cultural Revolution.
- Inscribed To the National Key Buddhist Temples In Han Chinese Area List In 1983.
- Designated As A Major National Historical and Cultural Site In Chongqing In 2013.
About Shuanggui Temple
Shuanggui Temple, whose original name was Fuguo Temple, is a significant Buddhist temple situated in Jindai Town, Liangping District, Chongqing, China. Founded in 1653 by the accomplished Chan master Poshan Haiming, the temple derives its more common name, "Shuanggui Temple" (meaning "Temple of Two Osmanthus Fragrans Trees"), from the two osmanthus fragrans trees present on its grounds.
Historical Significance
The temple holds considerable historical and religious importance. It was established during the 10th year of the Shunzhi Emperor's reign in the Qing dynasty. During the tumultuous Cultural Revolution, monks took protective measures for Buddhist statues and cultural relics by storing them in wooden boxes, often marked with "Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-tung." In recognition of its status, Shuanggui Temple was inscribed on the National Key Buddhist Temples in Han Chinese Area List by the State Council of China in 1983. Further underscoring its importance, it was designated a Major National Historical and Cultural Site in Chongqing by the State Council in 2013.
Architectural Features
The surviving structures of Shuanggui Temple include the Shanmen (mountain gate), Mahavira Hall, Maitreya Hall, Dabei Hall (Hall of Great Compassion), Ordination Hall, Five Hundred Arhats Hall, and a Buddhist Texts Library. The Mahavira Hall, initially built in 1653 and subsequently renovated multiple times, is a substantial structure measuring 25 meters wide, 19 meters deep, and 10 meters high. It is supported by 72 stone pillars and enshrines statues of Sakyamuni, Ananda, and Kassapa Buddha, with statues of the Eighteen Arhats, Manjushri, and Samantabhadra positioned on its sides. The Five Hundred Arhats Hall, constructed in 1998, is notable for its collection of five hundred life-like arhat statues, each depicted with distinct appearances and postures.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Shuanggui Temple founded?
Shuanggui Temple was founded in 1653 by the Chan master Poshan Haiming. It was originally established under the name Fuguo Temple.
Why is it called Shuanggui Temple?
The temple is known as Shuanggui Temple because of the two osmanthus fragrans trees located on its grounds. 'Shuang' means two, and 'Gui' refers to the osmanthus fragrans tree.
What are the main architectural features of Shuanggui Temple?
Key buildings include the Shanmen, Mahavira Hall, Maitreya Hall, and the Five Hundred Arhats Hall. The Mahavira Hall is notable for its 72 stone pillars and houses important Buddha statues.
Has Shuanggui Temple been recognized for its historical or religious importance?
Yes, in 1983, it was inscribed on the National Key Buddhist Temples in Han Chinese Area List. In 2013, it was designated as a Major National Historical and Cultural Site in Chongqing.
What happened to the temple during the Cultural Revolution?
During the Cultural Revolution, monks took measures to protect Buddhist statues and cultural relics by placing them in wooden boxes, often with 'Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-tung' posted on the outside.
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