Seven iron hoops encircling its plump form. The White Dagoba Temple stands before us. It is also known as Miaoying Temple. We are about to discover its secrets. This Tibetan Buddhist shrine is the oldest and largest in China. Perhaps it is the last remaining building of the Yuan Dynasty in Beijing.
The White Dagoba Temple has a fascinating history. Kublai Khan, the Mongolian leader, united China in 1271. To strengthen ties with Tibet, he permitted the building of the White Dagoba. It was completed in 1279. A temple was built around it, named Dashengshou Wan’an Temple. People called the Dagoba and Beijing “Golden City and Jade Dagoba”.
Unfortunately, the temple burned down in 1368. Amazingly, only the White Dagoba remained. In 1457, Emperor Tianshun ordered its reconstruction. It was renamed Miaoying Temple.
Legend says the dagoba’s iron hoops were a miraculous fix after an earthquake. A master craftsman appeared. He smoked tobacco and asked for iron hoops. Overnight, the hoops appeared on the dagoba. People believed the craftsman was a reincarnation of Lu Ban. Lu Ban specializes in solving problems.
Inside the White Dagoba Temple, history was hidden. Repairs in 1978 revealed scriptures and statues. The “Heart Sutra” handwritten by Emperor Qianlong was discovered. There were also bronze Buddha statues and a Guanyin statue. A note from 1937 spoke of the Japanese invasion of Peking.
The White Dagoba Temple once hosted lively temple fairs. These fairs occurred on the 5th and 6th days of each month. Vendors and entertainers filled the area. People came to shop and be entertained. The fairs stopped in 1958.
Today, the White Dagoba stands tall. It is a testament to the friendship between China and Nepal. The White Dagoba Temple is a key cultural site. It is under the protection of the Chinese State Department.
Notice the integrative architectural style of China and ancient India. Arniger, a Nepalese architect, designed the White Dagoba in 1271. Construction took eight years. The tower is 50.9 meters high and has five parts.
Inside the temple, explore the three halls. The first hall shows the temple’s history and treasures. The second hall, the Hall of 10,000 Buddha, displays over 7,000 Buddha statues. The Hall of Seven Buddha features seven large Buddha statues. Visitors cannot climb the White Dagoba. However, the surrounding temple offers much to see.
The White Dagoba Temple has reopened after extensive renovations. Its beauty and cultural value will amaze you. It leaves a unique and lasting impression. Its story connects emperors, earthquakes, and miraculous craftsmanship. The White Dagoba remains a glorious heritage. It shines as a beacon of Nepal-China relations.