Diyin Temple

Diyin Temple

Diyin Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

The overall architecture, layout, and supporting functions of Diyin Temple are uniquely crafted. The entire complex is divided into: the Jade Buddha Hall, the Heavenly King Hall, side halls, the Scripture Depository, the Nine-Dragon Wall, the Bell Tower, guest rooms, office buildings, the功德林 (Gongdelin) Vegetarian Restaurant, the Buddhist Music Hall, medicinal baths, the Dharma Item Distribution Center, and the Bodhi Heart Magazine Office, among others.

The Jade Buddha Hall in Diyin Temple houses a 3.5-meter-tall Burmese jade Buddha, exquisitely carved, pure white, and lifelike. The ceiling of the entire hall features painted blue skies and white clouds, setting off murals depicting the Buddha preaching and the Thirty-Three Heavens gathering to listen to the Dharma. The Heavenly King Hall enshrines the Laughing Maitreya at the front, with Skanda Bodhisattva standing behind, flanked by the Four Heavenly Kings. Behind the kings are six观音 (Guanyin) statues in different poses.

The Mandala Altar is the space within Diyin Temple where Vajrayana ritual activities are conducted. The altar houses the heart relic of Shakyamuni Buddha, used for esoteric transmissions, empowerments, and important ritual ceremonies. The Five Directions Manjushri Hall was proposed and designed by Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche of the Five Sciences University, integrating the representations of Manjushri from the five terraces of Mount Wutai into one hall—hence the name “Five Directions.” The Ancient Buddha Hall enshrines three jade Buddhas unearthed from the original site of Diyin Temple (dating back to the Sui and Tang dynasties).