Shuanggui Temple Explained

Shuanggui Temple
Native Name:双桂堂
Native Name Lang:zh
Map Type:China Chongqing#China
Coordinates:30.6112°N 107.7128°W
Religious Affiliation:Buddhism
Sect:Linji school
Festivals:-->
Location:Jindai Town, Liangping District, Chongqing, China
Architecture Style:Chinese architecture
Founded By:Poshan Haiming
Established:1653
Date Destroyed:-->

Shuanggui Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Jindai Town, Liangping District, Chongqing, China.[1]

History

Shuanggui Temple was built as "Fuguo Temple" by an accomplished Chan master Poshan Haiming in 1653, in the 10th year of Shunzhi Emperor's reign during the Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911).[2] Due to its two osmanthus fragrans trees, the temple is also known as "Shuanggui Temple" (Shuang means two, Gui means osmanthus fragrans).[3]

During the Cultural Revolution, monks put statues of Buddhist and cultural relics into wooden box with Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-tung posted outside.

In 1983, the temple was inscribed to the National Key Buddhist Temples in Han Chinese Area List by the State Council of China.

In 2013, it has been designated as a "Major National Historical and Cultural Sites in Chongqing" by the State Council of China.

Architecture

The extant buildings of Shuanggui Temple include the Shanmen, Mahavira Hall, Maitreya Hall, Dabei Hall (Hall of Great Compassion), Ordination Hall, Five Hundred Arhats Hall and Buddhist Texts Library.

Mahavira Hall

The Mahavira Hall was first built in 1653 by Chan master Poshan, and underwent three renovations, respectively in 1758, 1822 and 1889. Now it is 25m (82feet) wide, 19m (62feet) deep and 10m (30feet) high with 72 stone pillars supporting the roof. Statues of Sakyamuni, Ananda and Kassapa Buddha are enshrined in the middle of the hall. The statues of Eighteen Arhats, Manjushri and Samantabhadra stand on both sides of the hall.[3]

Five Hundred Arhats Hall

The Five Hundred Arhats Hall enshrines five hundred life-like arhats with different looks and manners. It was built in 1998.[3]

Notes and References

  1. News: http://fo.sina.com.cn/culture/mountain/2018-03-12/doc-ifxpwyhx1046182.shtml . zh:禅宗名刹:破山道场双桂堂. Famous Chan Buddhist Temple: Shuanggui Temple . sina . 2018-03-12 . zh.
  2. News: http://fo.ifeng.com/special/shuangguitang/beijingjieshao/detail_2010_04/08/515132_0.shtml . zh:双桂堂开山祖师破山海明禅师. Founder of Shuanggui Temple : Poshan Haiming. iFeng . 2010-04-08 . zh.
  3. News: http://fo.ifeng.com/special/shuangguitang/beijingjieshao/detail_2010_04/08/515083_0.shtml . zh:双桂堂传说. Legend of Shuanggui Temple . iFeng . 2010-04-08 . zh.