Jinggang Palace of Huguo Temple in Beijing
Location
Jinggang Palace of Huguo Temple (护国寺金刚殿) is located at 11 Huguo Temple Street (护国寺大街), Xicheng District (西城区), Beijing (北京). It was designated as a protected cultural heritage site by the Beijing Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage in 1984.
Historical Background
Huguo Temple (护国寺) has origins dating back to the 21st year of the Yuan Dynasty (元) (1284). It was originally named Dachongguo Temple (大崇国寺) to distinguish it from the older Chongguo Temple (旧崇国寺) (南寺). The temple was founded by the monk Ding Yan (定演), and local legend states that it was built on the estate of Yuan Prime Minister Tokto (托克托). Statues of Tokto and his wife once stood in the Thousand Buddha Hall (千佛殿).
The temple underwent significant renovations in the fourth year of the Ming Xuande era (明宣德) (1429) and was renamed Dalongshan Temple (大隆善寺). In the eighth year of the Ming Chenghua era (明成化) (1472), eunuchs Huang Shun (黄顺) and Kuai Xiang (蒯祥) oversaw further construction, and the temple was granted the name Dalongshan Huguo Temple (大隆善护国寺).
During the Qing Dynasty, it was renovated in the 61st year of the Kangxi era (清康熙) (1722) by the Mongolian prince Beile (贝勒) to honor the Holy Ancestor. From then on, it was known as Huguo Temple and informally referred to as Xisi (西寺), complementing Longfu Temple (隆福寺) (东寺). Additional renovations occurred in the 27th year of the Qing Daoguang era (清道光) (1847) and the fifth year of the Tongzhi era (同治) (1866).
Architectural Layout
Huguo Temple is oriented north-south and features a grand layout originally comprising nine courtyards along the central axis. The complex includes:
- Mountain Gate (山门)
- Jinggang Palace (金刚殿)
- Tianwang Hall (天王殿)
- Yanshou Hall (延寿殿)
- Chongshou Hall (崇寿殿)
- Thousand Buddha Hall (千佛殿)
Behind the Flower Gate (垂花门) are the Dharma Protecting Hall (护法殿) and the Work Hall (功课殿), each with five bays, while the northernmost section includes three rooms of the Bodhisattva Hall (菩萨殿) with stupa towers on either side. Each hall is majestic and exquisitely constructed.
Jinggang Palace, as the second main hall of Huguo Temple, features five bays and has a hip roof with a single eave, adorned with black glazed tiles with green edges. The three central doors provide access to the interior.
Cultural Significance
In 1933, the China Academy of Building Research, led by Mr. Liu Dunzhen (刘敦桢) and Mr. Liang Sicheng (梁思成), conducted measurements, drawings, and photography of Huguo Temple. Despite most halls being in disrepair, the architectural layout from the Ming and Qing dynasties remained prominent.
In 1984, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Cultural Heritage surveyed Huguo Temple, finding that many buildings still existed, particularly the well-preserved Jinggang Palace, which is now managed by the Beijing Buddhist Association.
Current Status
Today, Jinggang Palace is recognized for its significant cultural and historical value. The temple previously hosted a temple fair on the 7th and 8th days of each lunar month, enriching the cultural atmosphere for local residents and tourists. Huguo Temple, with its rich history, has been listed as a key protected cultural site in Beijing, emphasizing its importance in the city’s historical heritage.
Additional Information
Huguo Temple is a major site in Beijing’s religious landscape. It was initially established in the 23rd year of the Yuan Dynasty (元) (1286) as Chongguo Temple (崇国寺). It was renamed Dalongshan Temple (大隆善寺) in 1429 and later granted the title Dalongshan Huguo Temple (大隆善护国寺) in 1472. Following renovations in 1722, it became known as Huguo Temple, also referred to as Xisi (西寺), corresponding to Longfu Temple (隆福寺) (东寺).
The existing Jinggang Palace remains a significant architectural highlight, showcasing a five-bay structure measuring 24.7 meters wide and 11.3 meters deep, featuring a single eave hip-roof design and black glazed tiles with green edges. Huguo Temple’s temple fair continues to be one of the famous traditional fairs in old Beijing.
