Ji’an Dizang Temple

Ji’an Dizang Temple

Dizang Temple

Located on Beimen Street in Ji’an City, it was built in the first year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1662) through the fundraising efforts of Monk Hongxi. The entire temple complex covers an area of approximately 500 square meters, with a constructed floor space of 800 square meters. It features a tightly structured and uniquely southern-style architectural ensemble with a well-balanced layout. The temple faces east and is backed by the west, consisting of a rear main hall and wing rooms on both sides. In front of the hall lies a 50-square-meter open space, directly opposite the main entrance to the front hall stands a row of ancient cypress trees, said to have been personally planted by Monk Hongxi during the temple’s construction. Slightly ahead of the trees is an incense burner, set amid the green foliage, with curling wisps of smoke creating a uniquely serene atmosphere. The front hall is dedicated to the Great Dizang Bodhisattva, and at the center above the main gate is inlaid the three vigorous and dignified golden characters “Dizang An” (“Dizang Temple”), inscribed by Master Hongxi himself at the time of the temple’s founding. On either side of the gate hangs a couplet: “The miraculous Dizang Bodhisattva is beyond compare; his golden form appears everywhere to deliver beings.”

On either side of the hall are the bell and drum towers, facing the statue of the Dizang Bodhisattva. Every year on the 30th day of the seventh lunar month, the birthday of Dizang Bodhisattva, devout worshippers flock to the temple to participate in chanting ceremonies, Buddha worship, and ancestral rites. Flanking the Dizang Bodhisattva are statues of the two attendants, Min Gong and Daoming. Behind the hall stands another bodhisattva — the guardian deity Skanda (Weituo), who holds a golden vajra pestle used to subdue demons, facing the hall entrance and keeping watch over those who come and go. The front and rear halls are separated by a courtyard and are connected via the wing rooms on both sides. Entering through the south gate leads to the dining hall, while the north gate opens to the guest hall. The rear hall is the Yuantong Hall. According to the presiding monk, “Yuantong” means “universal access for all beings to attain merit,” representing the highest realm of Buddhist practice — the attainment of the “Three Kinds of Enlightenment”: enlightenment for oneself, for others, and for perfect practice. This is also the ultimate ideal pursued by Buddhists. Upon entering the Yuantong Hall, one sees in the center a kind and amiable statue of Guanyin (the Goddess of Mercy), standing on a lotus pedestal and holding a willow branch.

Since its reconstruction, Dizang Temple has enjoyed continuous flourishing incense offerings. However, during the Cultural Revolution, Buddhist activities were suspended and the internal facilities were damaged to varying degrees. After the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee, with approval from the municipal government, the temple reopened to devotees. Master Zaolian was invited to serve as the presiding monk, and partial restoration of the temple was carried out, bringing Buddhist activities back to their former vibrancy.

At present, under the leadership of Master Zaolian, Dizang Temple has resumed normal operations in all Buddhist activities and has become a reputable site for Buddhist practice in the Ji’an region.