Zhenjue Temple in Beijing

Zhenjue Temple in Beijing

Overview

Zhenjue Temple, also known as Dazhengjue Temple (大正觉寺) and commonly referred to as Wuta Temple (五塔寺), is situated at No. 24 Wuta Temple Road (五塔寺路), Haidian District (海淀区), Beijing (北京市). Originally built during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty, it now serves as the Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum.

The temple’s main structures align along a north-south axis, featuring the mountain gate, Tianwang Hall, Daxiongbaodian (大雄宝殿), Vajrasana (金刚宝座), Pilu Hall (毗卢殿), and the Sutra Repository (藏经阁). Smaller auxiliary buildings symmetrically complement the main structures. The Vajrasana is a unique architectural blend of Chinese and foreign elements and is the earliest known structure of its kind, holding substantial research significance.

On October 28, 1957, Zhenjue Temple was designated a city-level cultural relic protection unit by the Beijing Municipal Government. On March 4, 1961, the Vajrasana was recognized as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

Historical Development

Yongle Period: The Indian monk Bandida presented five golden Buddhas and a plan for a “Bodh Gaya Monastery” to Emperor Zhu Di (朱棣), leading to the temple’s construction.
Chenghua Era: In 1473, the Vajrasana was completed and named Zhenjue Temple.
Qianlong Era: In 1761, renovations were made for the Qianlong Emperor’s mother, changing its name to Dazhengjue Temple.
1900: The temple was damaged during the Boxer Movement; only the Vajrasana remained intact.
1987: The Beijing Stone Carving Art Museum was established at the site.
2001: Comprehensive renovation funded by the Beijing Municipal Government.

Architectural Layout

The architectural design of Zhenjue Temple is centered on the Vajrasana, with all major buildings constructed along the central axis. The layout includes the mountain gate, Tianwang Hall, Daxiongbaodian, Vajrasana, Pilu Hall, and Sutra Repository, with auxiliary buildings symmetrically placed. The Vajrasana serves as the focal point.

Major Structures

Vajrasana

The Vajrasana comprises a throne and a stone stupa, measuring 18.6 meters in length and 15.73 meters in width, with a height of 15.7 meters.

Throne: Standing 7.7 meters tall, it is built of brick and clad in bluish-white stone. It features intricate carvings and niches containing different Buddha statues, collectively known as the “Thousand Buddhas.” The base is adorned with inscriptions and religious motifs.
Stone Stupa: Located behind the glazed pavilion, it consists of five towers, with the central tower reaching 8 meters and housing the five golden Buddhas. The four corner towers are slightly shorter, adorned with numerous Buddha statues and significant inscriptions.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Vajrasana Tower

This structure represents a unique architectural form of ancient stupas, characterized by a central focus on the five directional Buddhas. It includes one large central tower and four smaller ones.

Cultural Relic Value

The Vajrasana is a masterpiece that merges Chinese architecture with foreign influences and is of significant research interest.

Cultural Relic Protection

Designated as a cultural relic protection unit by the Beijing Municipal Government and the State Council, Zhenjue Temple holds historical and cultural importance.