Shengji Temple Bronze Pagoda
Major Historical and Cultural Site of China in Mount Emei, China
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Shengji Temple Bronze Pagoda (Chinese: 聖積寺銅塔) is located in Fuhu Temple, Mount Emei, Sichuan. It is named for its original location in Shengji Temple. The pagoda, also known as the Huayan Bronze Pagoda (Chinese: 華嚴寺銅塔), is cast with the text of the Avatamsaka Sutra and scenes depicting the seven places and nine assemblies (Chinese: 七處九會) where the Buddha is said to have preached.[1] It is the earliest large-scale bronze pagoda still existing in China.[2]
| Shengji Temple Bronze Pagoda | |
|---|---|
| 聖積寺銅塔 (Chinese) | |
The Pagoda within the Pavilion | |
| Type | Major Historical and Cultural Site of China |
| Location | Fuhu Temple, Mount Emei, China |
| History | |
| Built | Ming Dynasty |
The bronze pagoda has eight sides and thirteen tiers, with a height of 5.8 meters. It combines the features of a Lama-style pagoda and a multi-eaved tower, and was originally built with a square pedestal resembling Mount Meru.[3] The body of the pagoda has 4,762 buddha effigies and a wealth of inscriptions including the Avatamsaka Sutra. It also features motifs such as figures, lions and elephants.[2]
History
The Shenji Bronze Pagoda was built during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty and was supervised by Zen master Miaofeng, who was funded by the Wanli Emperor.[3]
During the Great Leap Forward movement in 1958, the pagoda was transferred to Chongqing Iron and Steel Company to be smelted along with other metal relics.[4] In 1959, the provincial communist committee stopped the action and transferred the pagoda to the Baoguo Temple in 1964.[5][6] In 1980, the provincial cultural department funded the construction of a pavilion at Baoguo Temple to house the pagoda. The pagoda was eventually moved into the pavilion in April 1982.[7]
In 2008, the Sichuan Earthquake damaged the pagoda.[8]
Protection
On August 16, 1956, the pagoda was listed as the first batch of historical and revolutionary cultural relics protection units in Sichuan Province.[9] On July 7, 1980, when the second batch of Sichuan provincial cultural relics protection units was re-announced, it was merged into Fuhu Temple.[10] On April 16, 1991, it was announced as the third batch of cultural relics protection units in Sichuan Province.[11] In 2006, it was designated as one of the sixth batch of Major Historical and Cultural Site of China.[12]
Gallery
sketch by Virgil C. Hart depicting the pagoda in 1888
the Pagoda in 1930s
outside view of Huayan Pagoda Pavilion
