Pagoda of Monk Xiugong Jieshi

Pagoda of Monk Xiugong Jieshi

The Pagoda of Monk Xiugong Jieshi is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Pagoda of Monk Xiugong Jieshi, also known as the Puzhao Temple Pagoda, is the burial pagoda of the eminent Jin Dynasty monk Xiugong Jieshi. The pagoda is located north of Puzhao Village, Litun Town, Pingyu County.

Monk Xiugong Jieshi, a native of Fugou County commonly known as Zhang, became a monk at the age of seven. He studied at Baifayuan of the Other Shore Temple in Yancheng County, Xuchang, and took charge of Puzhao Temple in his thirties. In the fourth year of the Mingchang era of the Jin Dynasty (1193 A.D.), after the passing of Monk Xiugong Jieshi, his disciples Guangquan, Guangshu, Guang’er, Shanchao, and Shanhuai built this pagoda. Construction was completed on the fourth day of the eighth month in the fifth year of Mingchang, the cyclical year of Jia (1194 A.D.), taking nine months in total. Aside from the Pagoda of Monk Xiugong Jieshi, Puzhao Temple also included a Grand Buddha Hall, Middle Buddha Hall, Heavenly King Hall, Guan Yu Hall, Vairocana Hall, and dozens of monks' quarters—all of which were destroyed in fires during the late Yuan Dynasty. By the Xianfeng era of the Qing Dynasty, the temple had been completely dismantled by the rebel Nian Army, leaving only the pagoda of Monk Xiugong Jieshi. This seven-story hexagonal brick pagoda stands 15.31 meters tall with a stone spire. The lower section is the base, 1.86 meters high, constructed from 31 layers of bricks, with each side of the base measuring 2.6 meters. Each level of the pagoda features a brick-plastered string course, above which are bracket sets supporting the eaves of each story. The top consists of seven layers of bricks laid in reverse, supporting the stone spire. The hexagonal stone finial base holds three discs and a spire tip, with the spire pole fixed to the wooden board atop the seventh-level caisson ceiling, extending upward through the finial base, discs, and spire tip. Above the doorway on the second level is an inscription chronicling the life of the eminent Jin Dynasty monk Xiugong Jieshi, highlighting his “pure heart” and lifelong pursuit of an “open and profound” monastic path amid a life full of hardships.

The inscription also references the relief and adoption institution “Xietang Fushengyuan,” established by monks during the Jin Dynasty. This provides a glimpse into the impact of continuous warfare between the Southern Song and Mongol regimes on the Jin Dynasty. With most able-bodied men conscripted into military service, the brutal conflicts led to a sharp decline in the Central Plains population, social instability, mass displacement, and countless tragedies including fatherless children and childless elders—leaving the aged uncared for and widows and orphans widespread. Monk Xiugong Jieshi’s dedication in “generously offering clothing and alms” to establish Xietang Fushengyuan reflects his compassion for the suffering of the people and his admirable character, offering valuable insights for the study of Jin Dynasty Buddhism.

The exterior of the Pagoda of Monk Xiugong Jieshi features numerous exquisitely carved brick reliefs of flowers and Buddha images in diverse forms and categories. The inscriptions are clear, and the craftsmanship displays distinct characteristics of the period, making it of very high artistic value. The hexagonal base of the pagoda tapers layer by layer, and the bracket sets vary in style yet form a harmonious whole. The ingenious design and rich imagery make it a unique artistic masterpiece, also holding considerable value for tourism and sightseeing. In 2002, the pagoda was designated as a Provincial Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit by the People's Government of Henan Province.

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Henan Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units