“Great Hero Hall” translates to “Daxiong Hall”. The temple is the main hall in Chinese Buddhism.
Here at the magnificent Daxiong Hall, let me tell you some stories. The Daxiong Hall is also called the Grand Hall. Some people call it the Great Hall. It is the main hall. It is where the main deity is enshrined.
In Chinese Buddhism, Daxiong Hall is more than just a main hall. It is the hall that enshrines Sakyamuni Buddha. Custom dictates that only halls enshrining Sakyamuni Buddha are called Daxiong Hall. Halls dedicated to Amitabha Buddha are called “Pure Land Treasure Hall”. Halls to Bhaisajyaguru Buddha are “瑠璃 Treasure Hall”. Some temples believe all Buddhas are equal. They may call halls enshrining other Buddhas “Daxiong Hall”.
Within the Daxiong Hall sits three gold-bodied Buddhas. These statues show dignity and compassion. They are very memorable. Sakyamuni Buddha is in the center. He holds a Dharma wheel. The statue embodies beauty.
To the east is Bhaisajyaguru Buddha. He is from the Eastern Pure Lapis Lazuli World. Amitabha Buddha sits to the west. He comes from the Western Paradise. This Buddha holds a lotus flower. He welcomes people to the Western Pure Land. Together they are known as the “Three Treasures Buddha”.
Along the sides are twenty Devas. They are protectors of the Dharma. Each statue has distinct features. One is the youngest child of the Ghost Mother.
Behind the Daxiong Hall is a large Guanyin wall sculpture. It shows Sudhana’s fifty-three visits. Sudhana was a disciple. The bodhisattva Manjushri taught him to seek knowledge. So, Sudhana visited fifty-three teachers. He learned many skills.
The sculpture’s lower right corner shows a boat. A captain is on it. Sudhana kneels before him. He humbly asks for teachings. The central figure is Guanyin. Guanyin rides a carp in the sea of suffering. Above Guanyin is Sakyamuni Buddha. He is practicing asceticism in the Himalayas. Animals offer him flowers and fruit. Above them are the Eight Gods protecting the Dharma.
Below the wall are eighteen Arhats. They are disciples of the Buddha. They vowed to stay in the world. They help all beings.
Many plaques hang in the Daxiong Hall. One was written by Zhao Puchu. He was a prominent figure in Buddhism. It speaks of enlightenment.
The plaque above the main entrance reads “崇道佛”. This plaque was placed in 1992. It was the temple’s one hundred and eleventh anniversary. It means Buddhism values emptiness. It uses Dharma to help people. It spreads across the universe. It exists in the smallest things. It is eternal. It brings blessings to all.
The Daxiong Hall faced safety issues. The area in front was too small. In 2017, the Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple moved the Daxiong Hall. It was shifted 30.66 meters north. It was also lifted 1.05 meters. This improved safety and layout.
The name Daxiong is a title for Sakyamuni. It means mighty hero. A Buddha has great power. The Buddha defeats all demons.