Pagoda Forest at Wulei Temple

Pagoda Forest at Wulei Temple

The Pagoda Forest at Wulei Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Pagoda Forest at Wulei Temple is located in Shengriwan on Tiansizhi Peak to the west of the temple. Here, lush bamboo groves lie in serene seclusion amid drifting clouds, serving as the resting place for generations of eminent monks from Wulei Temple.

Approaching the base of the stupa of the Indian monk Nārāyana, a revered Buddhist master who traveled to China during the Three Kingdoms period, one can see lotus petal carvings in a myriad of forms. The overall shape gently curves in a parabolic form from top to bottom, giving it both a sense of stability and fluidity. The inscription “Stupa of Venerable Nārāyana, Founder of the Monastery in Wu Region” is rustic and bold, exuding an air of mystery. Legend has it that after Nārāyana’s passing, the Tiansizhi Peak of Wulei Mountain radiated auspicious light across the sky, while the sounds of temple bells and chants lingered faintly. A barefoot Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy), holding a vase of pure water, was said to have poured “holy water” over the peaks of Wulei Mountain. On the western cliff of Huhukeng, there remains a line drawing of a lotus flower, remarkably lifelike. Just above and to the right of the lotus, embedded in the rock face, is a giant Buddha’s footprint. Above the northern end of the footprint lies another three-dimensional gemstone lotus, with thick, vividly realistic petals. These three sacred sites, combined with beautiful mythological tales and the artistry of nature, add yet another colorful attraction to the Wulei Temple tourist destination.

The Pagoda Forest evokes a deep sense of history. The memorial stupas of Venerable Nārāyana, Master Dìxián, and Master Yuexi, all part of the monks’ pagoda cluster at Wulei Temple, bear inscriptions commemorating the former virtuous deeds of their occupants. According to the Wulei Temple Annals: Master Dìxián, the 43rd patriarch of the Tiantai School, twice presided over teachings of Tiantai doctrine at Wulei Temple and held lectures to propagate the teachings, during which over a hundred monks received full monastic precepts—a celebrated event in the history of Buddhism in eastern Zhejiang. After his passing, his disciples Bingrui, Baojing, and others transported his sacred shrine to Wulei Mountain and erected his tomb stupa on Niujiaofeng (Ox Horn Peak), which was later relocated to the Shengriwan Pagoda Forest. It is said that when the stupa was moved, an ancient plum tree in the temple grounds, originally twisted and majestic, suddenly burst into vibrant new growth with blossoms. For three days afterward, the sounds of wind, flowing water, and Buddhist chants echoed ceaselessly through Shengriwan.

“Seated in eternal serenity within the lotus shrine, the setting sun casts infinite crimson hues over the mountains.” The monks’ pagoda forest stands quietly amidst strange rocks and elegant bamboo, adding an air of mystery to Wulei Temple as it accompanies the morning bells and evening drums.