Benjue Temple Pagoda

Benjue Temple Pagoda

Benjue Temple Pagoda is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiangxi Province.

Benjue Temple Pagoda is located at the southwestern end of the Zeng family homestead on Yaoling Ridge in Yonghe Township, Ji'an County, Jiangxi Province. It was built during the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty, stands 36 meters tall, and features an eight-sided, nine-story brick-and-wood structure. The first to fifth stories are hollow, with spiral staircases leading up.

In 1984, the provincial government allocated funds for renovation, during which copper coins and Buddhist statues were found at the top, confirming the pagoda's construction period. On July 1, 1957, the Provincial People's Committee designated it as a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit and included it in the "Chinese Scenic Spots Dictionary."

Legend has it that Benjue Temple Pagoda is a "flying pagoda" that once flew here from Xichang long ago. In ancient times, the seat of Luling County was located in present-day Xichang, Taihe County. Originally, Benjue Temple Pagoda was a pagoda in Xichang. Later, when the county seat was moved to present-day Ji'an, Xichang gradually became desolate. With nothing else to do, this pagoda began meditating—absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth—and astonishingly grew a pair of invisible giant wings. On stormy nights, it could take flight. One night, during a fierce thunderstorm, it flew and landed beside Erwang Temple in Baisha Village, Yonghe, on the banks of the Gan River. Upon realizing this was not the new site of the Luling County seat, it waited for another chance to leave. On yet another stormy night, the pagoda once again spread its wings and flew several miles to the vicinity of Benjue Temple at the famous Jizhou Kiln in Yonghe. Thinking it had reached the new county seat, it settled there. The next morning, the monks of Benjue Temple were delighted to find a majestic pagoda suddenly towering beside their temple and joyfully knelt before the statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, to express their gratitude. Guanyin, after calculating with her fingers, determined that the pagoda was reluctant to stay for long. Considering that the area desperately needed such a pagoda to guard the region, she used her divine knife to sever the pagoda’s magical wings. Then, using her powers, she cast eight thousand-jin iron chains to secure the pagoda’s top, locking it permanently in place. Since then, the pagoda, wingless and unable to fly, has remained forever beside Benjue Temple. According to Buddhist teachings, “flying here” actually means “a high monk arrived here.”

Legends add a touch of mystique to Benjue Temple Pagoda. In fact, according to the "Dongchang Annals" and the "Luling County Annals": "Benjue Temple, located in the eastern market of Dongchang, has a pagoda to its south, built during the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty." It has a history of nearly 1,300 years. Unfortunately, Benjue Temple was destroyed by a violent storm in 1950, but Benjue Temple Pagoda “endured wars and weathering, standing firmly alone.” In 1957, the pagoda was listed as a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit and has been included in the "Chinese Scenic Spots Dictionary." In 1984, the Jiangxi Provincial People's Government allocated funds to renovate the pagoda. Built with blue bricks, both the interior and exterior of the pagoda were whitewashed. It stands 26 meters tall, features an eight-sided, nine-story structure, and the first to fifth stories are hollow, with spiral staircases leading up to the fifth floor. From the fifth floor, one can gaze into the distance and take in the new look of the ancient Luling city, the beautiful scenery of modern Ji'an, and the pastoral views of Yonghe, all of which are truly refreshing.

For thousands of years, Benjue Temple Pagoda, with its unique architectural style, rooted in the long-standing Buddhist culture of Benjue Temple, bolstered by the renowned ceramic craftsmanship of the Jizhou Kiln, and set against the beautiful landscape of Yonghe Town, has attracted countless literati, scholars, and dignitaries. Renowned Northern Song literary figure and painter Su Shi, as well as Southern Song statesman and national hero Wen Tianxiang, among other notable figures, have climbed Benjue Temple Pagoda to compose poetry and express their emotions. Today, Benjue Temple Pagoda shines anew, warmly welcoming domestic and international visitors with its classic charm.

Further Reading:

· First Batch of Jiangxi Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units