Xingguo Temple (Binzhou) Explained

Xingguo Temple
Native Name:兴国寺
Native Name Lang:zh-Hans
Map Type:China Shandong
Coordinates:37.0985°N 118.2388°W
Religious Affiliation:Buddhism
Festivals:-->
Location:Hubin Town, Binzhou, Shandong
Country:China
Architecture Style:Chinese architecture
Established:c. 534
Year Completed:1998 (reconstruction)
Date Destroyed:-->

Xingguo Temple, more commonly known as Zhangbafo, is a Buddhist temple located in Hubin Town, Binzhou, Shandong, China.[1] [2]

History

Xingguo Temple was first built around 534, under the Eastern Jin dynasty (266–420). Over the course of 1,470 years, the temple was destroyed and rebuilt many times, due to wars and natural disasters. The temple was gradually fell into ruin in the late Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911).[3]

In 1992, the 5.6m (18.4feet) high Statue of Buddha has been the focus of the Shandong Provincial Government as a provincial cultural heritage conservation unit.[4]

In 1998, Ou Tongguo, the CEO of Shenzhen ITAT Group, appropriated a large sum of money for reconstructing the temple. Four Heavenly Kings Hall, Mahavira Hall, Hall of Zhangbafo, wing-rooms were added to the temple.[5]

In the middle of 2004, Shi Changgu was proposed as the new abbot of the temple. He raised funds to establish the Dining Hall, Meditation Hall, Reception Hall and other halls.

Architecture

5.6m (18.4feet) high Statue of Buddha

The 5.6m (18.4feet) high Statue of Buddha was carved around 534, in the 1st year of Tianping period of the Eastern Jin dynasty (266–420). It is 7.1m (23.3feet) high in total.[6] [7]

Sitting on the lotus throne peacefully, the plump Buddha wears a Kasaya. The lotus throne is 1.55m (05.09feet) high and weights 19kg (42lb). It was engraved patterns of various Hercules, Hill censer (Boshanlu), Garuda and 24 human figures.

Notes and References

  1. News: Yu Linfan . http://binzhou.dzwww.com/boxingnews/bxxw/201802/t20180223_16373606.htm . zh:博兴县丈八佛庙会盛大举行 吸引全国各地游客香客 . dzwww.com . 2018-02-23 . zh.
  2. News: http://news.163.com/14/0210/13/9KNN5B7K00014AED.html . zh:丈八佛庙会让您流连忘返(组图) . 163.com . 2014-02-10 . zh.
  3. Book: 齐鲁特色文化丛书: 名胜 . 山東友谊出版社 . 齐鲁特色文化丛书 . 2004 . 978-7-80642-744-6 . zh . 2024-05-06 . 409.
  4. Book: 山东省历史文化遗址调查与保护研究报告 . 齊魯書社 . 2008 . 978-7-5333-2153-6 . zh . 2024-05-06 .
  5. Book: 山东省滨州市地方史志编纂委员会 . 滨州地区志, 1979-2000 . 方志出版社 . 中华人民共和国地方志丛书 . 2003 . 978-7-80122-846-8 . zh . 2024-05-06 . 826.
  6. News: Qian Huanqing . http://jnsb.e23.cn/shtml/jnsb/20140417/1275971.shtml . zh:“丈八佛”传奇 . jnsb.e23.cn . 2014-04-17 . zh-cn . 2020-01-06.
  7. Book: 碑刻造像 . 山东友谊出版社 . 山东文物丛书 . 2002 . 978-7-80642-396-7 . zh . 2024-05-06 . 427.