Zhenjue Temple, Buddhist temple in Haidian District, Beijing, China.
Zhenjue Temple is a Buddhist sanctuary in Haidian featuring a foundation that supports five pagodas, with four positioned at the corners and one central tower rising 17 meters above ground level. The complex now houses the Beijing Art Museum of Stone Carvings and carries protected status as a national monument.
The temple was founded in 1270 by Buddhist monk Pakpa Lodro Gyeltsen and built with sturdy stone structures. It survived damage during the Second Opium War and the Boxer Rebellion while maintaining its original form.
The temple walls display intricate carvings of one thousand Buddhas, Buddhist symbols, animals, and floral designs on white marble surfaces. This skilled stonework reflects the importance of visual devotion in Buddhist practice.
The temple sits in a quiet area and is straightforward to reach on foot, with clear paths for exploring the different pagodas. Visitors should allow time to examine the detailed carvings up close, especially on the marble walls.
The temple draws inspiration from India's Mahabodhi Temple in its architectural design, blending elements from different Buddhist traditions. The corner pagodas feature 11 layers of eaves while the central tower contains 13 layers, reflecting a deliberate geometric progression.
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