Shoushou Temple

Shoushou Temple

Shoushou Temple is a cultural relics protection unit of Zhejiang Province.

Shoushou Temple (Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit)

Era: Ming and Qing

Announcement date: August 29, 1997

Located at the foot of Jicui Peak, Xinnan Village, Xianyan Town. Originally named Xianyan Temple, it was first built during the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty (627–649). In the second year of Daguan reign during the Northern Song Dynasty (1009), it was bestowed the name “Shoushou Chan Temple” (Shoushou Temple) by imperial decree, hence its current name, and became one of the major Buddhist sites in Eastern Ou for a time. The existing structures were built in the 17th year of the Shunzhi reign (1660) during the Qing Dynasty and after the Qianlong reign. Covering an area of approximately 20,000 square meters, the temple faces south. The central axis from south to north includes the Heavenly King Hall, the Mahavira Hall, the Abbot’s Building, and the Thousand Buddha Hall. The mountain gate is situated on the left side of the temple’s front, with a plaque inscribed with “Opening Heaven Atmosphere” (开天气象) written by Zhu Xi hanging above. The courtyard is spacious, with a Buddha Pond in the center spanning three acres and enclosed by bluestone railings. The Heavenly King Hall is seven bays wide, with the end bays each featuring a two-story structure housing a bell and a drum. The Mahavira Hall is seven bays wide, reaching 17 meters, and four bays deep, reaching 14 meters. It has a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof, an octagonal caisson ceiling, dragon head ornaments, and decorative ridge tiles. The temple also houses stone steles from the Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing dynasties, and the Republic of China.

Source: Zhejiang Cultural Relics Website

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units