How about a journey back to the Tang Dynasty right here in Shanghai? We are standing before the magnificent Baoshan Temple. It is not just a temple. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Shanghai.
Baoshan Temple’s story began during the Ming Dynasty. Construction started in 1511. That is over 500 years of history. The temple was restored in the Qing Dynasty. In 2005, major renovations took place.
Look around. The temple covers 20 acres. It is a vast and peaceful space. Notice the architectural style. It is inspired by the late Tang Dynasty. This gives Baoshan Temple a unique and timeless beauty.
The temple follows a traditional layout. It features a vertical axis design. We will walk through the Shanmen. We will also see the Mahavira Hall. The Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings are also on our way. These structures date back to the Ming Dynasty.
The buildings are crafted from African safflower pear wood. Skilled artisans used traditional techniques. They followed the ancient architectural book “Building French Style.” This ensures a strong and beautiful structure. The temple’s gate weighs about one ton. The simple door bolt evokes the Tang Dynasty.
Let’s step inside the Palace of Heavenly Kings. Here, Maitreya Bodhisattva is enshrined. Shanghai is considered his dojo. The bronze statue wears a crown. It is adorned with jewels. The Four Heavenly Kings stand guard. They are cast in bronze. Each statue is unique.
Now, we approach the Daxiong Hall. This is the core of Baoshan Temple. Inside, Buddha Shakyamuni sits in the middle. His two Venerables, Kasya Yeh and Ananda, flank him. Bodhisattva Manjushri and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva are also worshipped. All five statues are cast in bronze. They are gilded with gold leaf.
In the Guanyin Hall, a bronze Water Moon Guanyin is enshrined. Legend says she transformed into a beautiful woman. She supervised those killed by soldiers. This form of Guanyin is popular in the Suhang area. The Buddha statues were placed first. Then the roof and courtyard gates were added. This shows the scale of the project.
Experts from Japan and South Korea were involved in the reconstruction. Japan has preserved Tang Dynasty culture. Architect Liang Sicheng studied in Japan. This is why Baoshan Temple has some Japanese influence.
The temple is constructed with wooden mortise and tenon joints. It can be dismantled and reassembled. Any rotted material can be replaced. Since its opening, only one tile has been replaced. This shows the quality of the construction.
Baoshan Temple stands as a testament to history and devotion. It embodies the spirit of the Tang Dynasty. Its beauty and solemnity leave a lasting impression. Take a moment to appreciate its grandeur.