|
| |
| Shaolin Temple | |||||||
 |
Located northwest
of Dengfeng County, the Temple was built in 495 AD during the Northern Wei
Dynasty. Emperor Xiaowen ordered the construction of this temple, to help
with the settling down of a famous indian Monk Boddhidharma, who arrived
in 527 and initiated the Chan Sect of Buddhism. Shaolin hence became the
birthplace of the Chan Sect. At the beginning of the seventh century 13
martial monks were rewarded by Tang Dynasty Emperor Li Shimin, after they
had saved him from danger. The Temple was given the title "No. One Temple
Under Heaven". Shaolin kongfu thus developed rapidly and its fame spread.
The 30,000-square-meter temple is composed of seven rows of buildings including the Hall of Heavenly King, Dharma Pavilion, Thousand-Buddha Hall, White- Robe Bodhisattva Hall, the Hall of Ksitigarbba (Guardian of the Earth). The Forest of Stupas behind the temple is China's largest group of ancient stupas, which number more than 240. This area has served as a cemetery, which dated back to the Tang Dynasty. The dead monk's ashes used to be buried underground but a pagoda would be erected right above. The difference in shape and height just indicates the varying positions. These pagodas provide precious evidences on brick-stone architecture, carving and sculpture, history of arts and religions. Entry fee: 40 yuan |
bac | |||||
| back [close] next | |||||||
|
|||||||