Beneath Beijing’s sprawling sky, the Pagoda of Cishou Temple stands. This pagoda whispers tales of emperors and empresses. It echoes with the rhythm of ancient musical instruments.
Originally, it was named Yong’anwanshou Pagoda. This means Pagoda of Lasting Peace and Longevity. Later, it became known as Cishou Pagoda after the temple.
Empress Dowager Li ordered its construction in 1576. She was the mother of Emperor Zhuyi during the Ming Dynasty. The Pagoda of Cishou Temple was supposedly modeled after the Tianning Temple Pagoda. But it was built on a grander scale.
Imagine the temple in its prime. Sadly, the temple buildings vanished during the Qing Dynasty. Yet, the Pagoda of Cishou Temple bravely remains.
Look up! It is an octagonal structure. The Pagoda of Cishou Temple is solid and over fifty meters tall. Thirteen tiers of eaves grace its form.
Notice the brick base. It takes the shape of a Sumeru pedestal. Relief sculptures adorn it. Buddha, flying apsarases, and vajra guardians are depicted. Archways, lotus petals, and the Eight Treasures add to the splendor.
But wait. The musical instruments steal the show. Sheng, xiao, qin, se, yunban, gongs, drums, and flutes are all there. The Ming Dynasty’s rich musical variety comes to life through refined carving. It is incredibly valuable.
Observe the first storey. It’s majestic. It shows the multi-eaved style of the Liao and Kin dynasties. False arches decorate the four sides facing the cardinal directions. The other four sides feature false windows. Cloud and dragon patterns are carved on the headpieces of the arches.
Vajra guardians flank the arches. They are made of clay over wooden frames. Bodhisattvas stand beside the windows. Eight brick columns, decorated with dragon patterns, stand at the corners.
Search for the southern arch. The pagoda’s original name is inscribed on its stone headpiece. Yong’anwanshoo Pagoda. Above the first storey, thirteen levels of eaves rise. A pedestal with ornamental lotus petals supports the steeple. At the top, a precious bead gleams. It resembles the Tianning Temple Pagoda.
Today, the Pagoda of Cishou Temple resides within Linglong Park. Weathering has blurred some details. But it cannot diminish the pagoda’s spirit. Originally, each level held 24 niches. They contained 312 Buddha statues. Weathering has revealed the wooden frames behind reliefs.
As you stand here, consider the Pagoda of Cishou Temple. It has witnessed dynasties rise and fall. It has felt the sun and rain for centuries. It stands as a testament to art, faith, and enduring beauty.