Listen closely. A place of serenity awaits us amidst Shanghai’s vibrant streets. This is the \u94a6\u8d50\u4ef0\u6bbf.
Originally known as “Jin Siniang Temple” this Taoist temple carries a rich history. Some say it began during the Three Kingdoms period. It was when Sun Quan of the Eastern Wu dynasty built a family temple for his mother. Others believe it was constructed during the Tang Dynasty. Still others say that the name was changed from “Jin Siniang Temple” to the current name during the Qing Qianlong era.
\u94a6\u8d50\u4ef0\u6bbf is one of the oldest Taoist temples in Shanghai. Today it stands as a testament to the enduring traditions of Taoism. It is also the location of the Pudong Taoist Association.
The temple has been rebuilt twice. Once during the Ming Yongle period and again during the Qing Qianlong period. It suffered damage and destruction over the years. But \u94a6\u8d50\u4ef0\u6bbf has always been rebuilt. At its peak, it included the Dongyue Temple. Also the Great Hall of the Three Purities. There were fifteen halls on each side. More than twenty rooms served as Taoist residences. The temple covered over twenty acres. It was a significant center for Taoism in Shanghai.
During the Republic of China era, local elites raised funds to renovate \u94a6\u8d50\u4ef0\u6bbf. However, it was later ransacked and sealed by the Kuomintang. The “Cultural Revolution” brought further devastation. The temple was vandalized leaving only the Dongyue Hall standing.
In 1982, reconstruction of the \u94a6\u8d50\u4ef0\u6bbf began. Religious activities resumed in 1983. The number of devotees grew each year. By 1984, a consecration ceremony was held for the statues. Zhang Wenxi became the abbot.
From 1983 to 1987, the first phase of restoration was completed. The Dongyue Hall, gate tower, side halls, and other structures were repaired. In 2000, construction of the Sutra Library and Xianju Building began. The temple underwent overall planning and reconstruction.
Today, \u94a6\u8d50\u4ef0\u6bbf features a gate tower, Dongyue Hall, and the Three Purities Hall. Also there is a Sutra Library and Xianju Building. This ancient temple has been renewed. It has become the largest Taoist temple in Pudong. It attracts numerous Taoist followers.
In November 2003, \u94a6\u8d50\u4ef0\u6bbf celebrated its 20th anniversary of reopening. A series of events were held. These included a “Taiping Dharma Assembly”. It was for praying for national peace and prosperity. There was also a Taoist painting and calligraphy exhibition.
Facing a new era, \u94a6\u8d50\u4ef0\u6bbf actively adapts to social development. It established a Taoist culture research center. It has also built a Taoist library in the Sutra Library. There is a Taoist History Museum, Taoist Artifacts Museum, and Taoist Statue Painting Museum. The temple regularly holds lectures and promotes Taoism.
Besides the “Three Purities”, \u94a6\u8d50\u4ef0\u6bbf mainly enshrines the “Great Emperor of Dongyue”. Also the “Jade Emperor”, the “Ten Palaces of Yama”, and the “Seventy-Six Divisions”. You will find “Lu Zu”, “Tianhou”, “Qiao Sheng Luban”, and “Lord Shi Xiangong”.
The Sutra Library covers over 7,000 square meters. It consists of a memorial arch, Dongyue Hall, Sanqing Hall, Sutra Library, Xianju Building, and side halls. The halls are grand. The statues are dignified. The Sutra Library has three floors. The ground floor is dedicated to the “Sixty Jiazi Benming Gods”. The second floor houses the Taoist Culture Museum. The third floor is the Sutra Library.
As you step through the double-story memorial arch, you will see the bell and drum towers. Inside the bell tower stands Wang Lingguan. He is a Taoist guardian deity. Inside the drum tower stands Zhao Yuanshuai. He is the Taoist God of Wealth Zhao Gongming.
\u94a6\u8d50\u4ef0\u6bbf stands as a spiritual beacon. It has survived centuries of change. It continues to be a place of reverence and cultural significance in Shanghai.