Nanta Temple

Nanta Temple

Nanta Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Nanta Temple is situated on Tiantai Mountain to the south of Luojiang County. Historically, it boasted cultural landmarks such as Ink-Scented Spring, Stairway to Heaven, Turtle-Fishing Terrace, Literary Brush Peak, and the South Pagoda. It was once one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Luojiang during the Ming Dynasty, known as "Tiantai's Beauty." Lu Yong wrote a poem in its praise: “Embroidered ridges stretch south of the town, misty hues blend with the clear river. Sunny clouds blaze brilliantly, faintly resembling Chicheng Mountain.” In the fifth year of the Qing Qianlong reign, Wang Huijia, the magistrate of Luojiang County, lamented that no one from the county had passed the imperial examination in 80 years, so he restored the Literary Brush Peak on Tiantai Mountain. The following autumn, Li Huanan passed the provincial examination. In the seventeenth year of Qianlong, Sun Fazu, the magistrate of Luojiang, constructed the South Pagoda and Wenchang Palace to foster literary culture, personally composing the couplet: “For generations noble ranks flourish, blessings bless peace from the six villages.” With the completion of the pagoda and temple, figures such as Li Tiaoyuan, Li Dingyuan, and Li Jiyuan successively advanced to the rank of Jinshi and entered the Hanlin Academy. Others, including Qian Linhu, Chai Bangzhi, and Li Benyuan, also passed the provincial exams — thus elevating the cultural status of Luojiang, making the scholar class shine brightly.

The Nanta Temple scenic area covers over 40 acres with a built area of 1,401 square meters. From here, you can overlook the entire Luojiang County. Observe: the county is surrounded by mountains on all sides, where the Ning River and Lui Water converge at Yun’gai Mountain north of the city, giving the whole area the appearance of a giant “boat.” Amidst the “boat,” at what was the old Nanjie — the central section — stands the five-story wooden Kuixing Pavilion, which serves as the lofty mast of this “boat.” The boat’s bow extends directly toward Tiantai Mountain, whose layers of peaks offer majestic scenery. The Luo Wen River flows swiftly downstream with a force that seems to plunge for thousands of miles. At that time, the South Pagoda here served as the anchor for this “boat,” but unfortunately, the pagoda was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, and now only the pagoda foundation remains behind the temple.

[In front of the stone lions at the temple gate]

A pair of bluish stone lions stand in front of the gate. The one on the right has its left foot stepping on an embroidered ball and its right foot on a seashell — vivid and uniquely sculpted. Though just a stone seashell, it could produce a deep and melodious sound, but unfortunately, the rear half of the shell is now damaged and no longer produces any sound.

[The Hall of Heavenly Kings]

The Hall of Heavenly Kings houses the statue of Maitreya Buddha. Maitreya is a widely worshipped and popular figure in Chinese folk Buddhism, often depicted as a being of compassion. Buddhist scriptures explain: “Some say Maitreya means ‘the loving one.’ Because he cultivated compassion and entered meditative states of loving-kindness, he is called the Loving One. Supreme in practicing love, he is named Invincible.” His name is Ajita, which means “Invincible.” According to Buddhist texts, Maitreya was born into a Brahmin family in the ancient Indian kingdom of Pataliputra, a contemporary of Shakyamuni Buddha. He later became a disciple, entering monastic life, and attained nirvana before Shakyamuni. Later, Maitreya was reborn into the home of a minister called Shubhramitra, undergoing birth, ordination, enlightenment, and preaching — a journey identical to that of Shakyamuni Buddha.

The couplet beside the Maitreya statue reads: “His big belly embraces all things under heaven, both earth and sky; his smiling mouth greets all times, past and present alike, laughing everything away.” This couplet reminds us that by joyfully accepting others and facing life with laughter, we can rid ourselves of worries and live happily every day.

On either side of this hall are sculptures of the Four Heavenly Kings, vividly crafted. All the statues within the temple are carved from bluish stone, and the golden parts of the bodhisattva statues are all gilded in real gold — a distinctive feature of Nanta Temple.

Here you can read a couplet: “Front arches toward Yun’gai, back rests on Yuying, right borders the Wen River, left encircles Longdong.” This couplet outlines several famous scenic spots near the county town. “Front arches toward Yun’gai” refers to Yun’gai Mountain to the north of Luojiang Town, one of the ancient Eight Scenic Spots of Luojiang, known as “Yun’gai Immortal Peak.” The mountain holds the tomb of Zhang Ren, and today’s Yun’gai Villa is an excellent leisure destination. “Back rests on Yuying” refers to Yuying Mountain behind the temple, named after the former Dragon Pool atop it. “Right borders the Wen River” refers to the Luo Wen River, the mother river of Luojiang that runs through the city. “Left encircles Longdong” refers to the scenic wonder “Dragon Cave Trails” west of the county town — all excellent spots worth visiting.

[The Mahavira Hall]

Ahead lies the Mahavira Hall. As the most solemn and sacred place in the temple, it is also where monks practice their spiritual disciplines. Therefore, visitors are expected to remain quiet and respectful upon arrival. To the left is the temple reception room, and to the right is the vegetarian dining hall, which can accommodate hundreds of worshippers enjoying meals together. Nowadays, with improved living standards, people often eat rich foods, leading to issues like high blood pressure and cholesterol. Many have come to realize this and frequently gather to eat vegetarian meals at temples. Nanta Temple is close to the county town, so it sees many visitors during holidays. Interested friends might want to try the vegetarian food here too.

[In front of the Guanyin Hall]

The Guanyin Hall enshrines a white marble statue of Avalokiteshvara seated in meditation. White marble symbolizes the purity and perfection of Guanyin. Guanyin represents compassion and love. Many restless individuals hope to find inner peace by worshipping her, while elderly visitors seek blessings for family safety and happiness. Merchants may pray for prosperity. Hence, this hall enjoys a constant flow of incense offerings.

[The Medicine Buddha Hall]

The fourth hall at Nanta Temple, the Medicine Buddha Hall, attracts many elderly visitors who come to worship the Medicine Buddha and pray for health, safety, and happiness for their families.

The current Nanta Temple exudes solemnity, a pure land wreathed in incense, with morning bells and evening drums contributing to a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

Source: Public Information Network of Luojiang County People’s Government