Zishou Temple

Zishou Temple

Zishou Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Commonly known as Suxi Temple, it is located on the western side of Suxi Village, about 10 kilometers east of Lingshi County, Shanxi Province. The temple faces south with its back to the north, bordered by Mount Mian to the east and the Fen River to the west. Surrounded by mountains and water, with clear streams and lush greenery, ancient trees providing ample shade, the scenery is picturesque, making it a rare gem among the ancient temples of Shanxi.

According to surviving inscriptions, the temple was established in the 11th year of the Xiantong era of the Tang Dynasty (870), and was later renovated during the Song Dynasty. It earned the name “Zishou Temple,” which means “to provide longevity,” as it was dedicated to praying for the blessings of the Buddha for the long life of the people. The term “zī” (资) means to provide or grant. It is said that during the Song Dynasty, the temple enjoyed considerable incense popularity, with over 20 monks engaging in daily rituals such as morning bells, evening drums, and hall worship. By the late Jin Dynasty, the temple was destroyed by a wildfire that spread from the surrounding forests. Subsequently, the monks scattered, and the incense offerings ceased. Legend has it that in the first year of the Tai Ding era of the Yuan Dynasty, a monk named Fahai, who was traveling from afar and passing through on his way to visit a friend at the Buddha Embracing Temple on Mount Mian, witnessed the collapsed state of the temple and deeply lamented it. He stayed for some time and, over the course of several days, went door to door with his alms bowl in the nearby dozens of villages, preaching Buddhist scriptures in an effort to inspire the local villagers to rebuild the temple. This effort proved highly effective. Before long, local gentry, businesses, and villagers generously donated money and materials, and reconstruction of the temple began in the third year of the Tai Ding era (1326). By the 16th year of the Zhengde era of the Ming Dynasty (1521), large-scale renovations and restorations were carried out again, although the incense activity never quite reached its former levels. Fortunately, in subsequent dynasties, despite frequent warfare, the damage to the temple and its Buddha statues remained minimal. The existing structures all date back to the Ming Dynasty renovations. Zishou Temple is quite large in scale, with spacious courtyards and a complete layout, covering a total area of more than 3,000 square meters. The ancient architectural complex is entirely built with brick and wood. Major structures within the temple include the Heavenly King Hall, the Thunder Sound Hall, the Arhat Hall, the Kṣitigarbha Hall, the Medicine Buddha Hall, and the Erlang Hall. These ancient buildings feature ingenious structures, carved beams and painted rafters, and blue tiles soaring above. The roofs are covered with tri-colored glazed tiles, exquisitely crafted and uniquely distinctive.

Address: Zishou Temple, 007 Township Road, Lingshi County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units