Lingshi An

Lingshi An

Lingshi An is located on Mount Putuo in Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province. It was initially built by the Ming Dynasty monk Qiuning. During the Qing Dynasty, monks Longding and Nenglifa later reconstructed it. The current Mahavira Hall was recently rebuilt under the organization of Master Miaoshan. The temple houses attractions such as the Pandom Stone and the Two Turtles Listening to Scriptures Stone, which, along with the Yunfu Stone at Huiji Temple, are collectively known as the "Three Wonders of Mount Putuo." The Pandom Stone is formed by two massive rocks stacked on top of each other, with the upper rock being broad at the top and narrow at the bottom. It stands nearly 3 meters high, nearly 7 meters wide, and is diamond-shaped, with a volume of about 43 cubic meters and a weight of over 400 tons. Its flat top can accommodate around 30 people. The lower rock has a circumference of over 20 meters and supports the upper one. The gap between the two rocks is as thin as a thread and appears completely open, seemingly with no support — it is said that someone once tried to slice through it with a thin string, but all later attempts have failed. Though the Pandom Stone looks as precarious as a rolling egg, it remains steady as a rock, unmoved for eons and unshaken through countless ages, making it one of the most spectacular sights on Mount Putuo. The stone bears inscriptions such as “Pandom Stone,” “Vajra Gem Stone,” “The Number One Stone Under Heaven,” and “Spiritual Communication.” Legend has it that the prototype of the “Spiritual Jade” worn by Jia Baoyu in Cao Xueqin’s novel Dream of the Red Chamber originated from this stone. At sunset, when the stone is bathed in golden light, the view becomes especially magnificent. The Two Turtles Listening to Scriptures Stone is located north of Guanyin Cave. The upper turtle looks back and stretches its neck toward its companion, appearing either affectionate or annoyed, while the lower turtle lifts its head and struggles upward along the rock. Legend says these were two turtles of the Dragon King who refused to leave after listening to Guanyin preach, so the Dragon King turned them into stone in that posture.

Location

Mount Putuo, Putuo District, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province