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White Deer Temple

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Buddhist temple in Yiyang, Hunan, China
White Deer Temple
白鹿寺
Shanmen at White Deer Temple.
Religion
AffiliationBuddhism
DeityLinji school
Location
LocationYiyang, Hunan, China
White Deer Temple is located in HunanWhite Deer TempleShown within HunanShow map of HunanWhite Deer Temple is located in ChinaWhite Deer TempleWhite Deer Temple (China)Show map of China
Geographic coordinates28°35′20″N 112°20′27″E / 28.58889°N 112.34083°E / 28.58889; 112.34083
Architecture
StyleChinese architecture
Date established806–820
Completed2003 (reconstruction)

White Deer Temple (Chinese: 白鹿寺; pinyin: Báilù Sì) is a Buddhist temple located on the south bank of Zi River in Yiyang, Hunan, China.

History

White Deer Temple was originally built in the Yuanhe era (806–820) of the Tang dynasty (618–907).

In 1858, in the 8th year of Xianfeng period of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), most of the temple buildings were badly damaged by the Taiping Rebellion. After war, with the support of Tao Zhu, the then Viceroy of Liangjiang, Chan master Weiguang (惟光) spent six years rebuilding the temple. In 1881, in the ruling of Guangxu Emperor, monk Haiyin (海印) resided in the temple.

In 1922, after he passed away, monk Zikong (自空) took over as abbot. After that, Zhuming (烛冥), Hongchang (弘畅), Yuanxiu (愿修), Xigu (熹谷), and Foyuan (佛源) served successively as abbots. In 1943, Hongchang founded Yiyang Buddhist Institute (益阳佛教讲习所) in the temple.

After the establishment of the Communist State, White Deer Temple was used as a factory. In 1958, the factory was merged into Yiyang People's Weaving Factory (益阳市人民织布厂). During the Cultural Revolution, the local government confiscated temple lands and forced monks to return to secular life. After the 3rd Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, a policy of some religious freedom was implemented. The temple reactivated its religious activities. In 1984, the Yiyang Buddhist Association (益阳市佛教协会) was set up in the temple. The local government chose the Talin Mountain to build the new temple. Chan master Foyuan was invited by the local government as abbot. In the autumn of 1990, the Mahavira Hall was completed and was officially open to the public. In the next five years, Hall of Guanyin, Hall of Guru, Hall of Bhaisajyaguru, and Dharma Hall were added to the temple.

Architecture

White Deer Temple was built along the up and down of Talin Mountain (塔林山) and divided into the central, east and west routes. Now the complex include the following halls: Shanmen, Mahavira Hall, Jade Buddha Hall, Hall of Bhaisajyaguru, Hall of Guanyin, Bell tower, Drum tower, Hall of Guru, Dharma Hall, Dining Room, etc.

  • Mahavira Hall Mahavira Hall
  • Hall of Bhaisajyaguru Hall of Bhaisajyaguru
  • Stupas Stupas

References

  1. Luo Niujia (31 May 2019). 白鹿寺和白鹿晚钟. qq.com. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  2. "白鹿寺" [White Deer Temple]. hunan.gov.cn. 21 December 2012. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
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