Pagoda of Master Monk's Sarira

Pagoda of Master Monk's Sarira

The Pagoda of Master Monk's Sarira is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The construction date of the sarira pagoda is unknown. An inscription in ink inside the pagoda states: "This pagoda was damaged in the Sui Dynasty and was repaired in the fourth year of the Qiande era of the Great Song (966)." This indicates that both the pagoda and Jinchan Temple existed as early as the Tang Dynasty and were renovated in the early Song Dynasty. According to the *Tunliu County Annals*, Jinchan Temple was first built during the Tang Dynasty. The style of this pagoda features characteristics of early Tang Dynasty dense-eave brick pagodas, which are entirely different from those of Song Dynasty pagodas, so the pagoda must have been built during the Tang Dynasty. Pagodas are a unique type of architecture that embodies ancient Chinese construction techniques and architectural artistry. The simple and unadorned style of the Pagoda of Master Monk's Sarira reflects the artistic characteristics of early brick pagodas. The body of the pagoda adopts traditional architectural techniques such as tapering and leaning inward. Each level of the pagoda's facade uses a design where the base is wider than the top. The corner lines of each angle tilt inward toward the center at a 45-degree angle using the technique of ?rǎn qiào. This creates a sense of layered structure between each level. Different types of eaves are also used, with each layer gradually becoming smaller. The application of these architectural techniques gives the pagoda a slender form and a subtle sense of rhythm, forming a lofty and elegant artistic effect. The most outstanding techniques create a serene and graceful beauty, showcasing the high artistic value of ancient architecture.

In May 2013, the Pagoda of Master Monk's Sarira was announced as part of the seventh batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units