KeLan North Temple Pagoda

Kelan North Temple Pagoda

The Kelan North Temple Pagoda is a cultural relic protection unit of Shanxi Province.

The North Temple Pagoda is located on Yaopoji in Dongjie Village, Lanyi Town, Kelan County. Originally part of the architecture within Tayuan Temple, the temple has since been destroyed, leaving only the brick pagoda, which exhibits Ming Dynasty architectural style. It is a hexagonal, seven-story pavilion-style brick pagoda, covering an area of 18.94 square meters and standing 17 meters tall. The base is hexagonal, featuring a two-tiered belted Sumeru pedestal, atop which sit two layers of upturned lotus petals. The first level of the pagoda body is relatively high, with a Buddha niche opening to the south. From the second to the seventh level, each level is equipped with brick-carved bracket sets imitating wooden structures, as well as projecting eaves and balcony railings. The niches contain various carved Buddha statues, and the eaves are adorned with delicate carvings, creating a richly decorated appearance.

The base of the pagoda is hexagonal in plan, with the lowest level constructed from stone, and the upper sections mainly consisting of three parts, all built with brick. The lower part comprises two tiers of hexagonal Sumeru pedestals, the middle section features a flat terrace with railings, and the upper part consists of a lotus platform. The base is carved with various floral and auspicious motifs, distributed along the belted waist, the middle-level terrace, and the railing panels of the upper level.

Below the flat terrace are bracket sets, with projecting bracket arms forming four bays. The upper section of the railing is divided into four spaces, with decorative patterns of various auspicious flowers. The lower section is split into two spaces, featuring decorative patterns of the swastika and floral designs, with lotus and lotus seedpod-shaped bracket arms in the middle supporting the bracket sets. Above this is a three-tiered, treasure-adorned upturned lotus petal lotus platform.

The flat terrace railing is quaint and tasteful. The railing panels are divided into upper and lower sections: the upper section is divided into four bays by angle posts, with patterns of various auspicious flowers on the panels. The lower section has two bays, with patterns of the swastika and floral designs in the middle, supported by lotus and lotus seedpod-shaped angle posts. Above this sits a three-tiered, treasure-adorned upturned lotus petal lotus platform.

The pagoda body has seven levels, each with a hexagonal plan and a gradual tapering design. The first level of the pagoda body features niches on the front, back, and both sides facing north and south. The outer walls have circular engaged columns at each corner, with stone bases at the bottom of the columns and flat beams at the tops, upon which are brick-carved bracket sets similar to those on the lower level. The first level also features projecting eaves. The second level has several components, while the third level includes various decorative patterns. The higher levels are simpler and more refined. The outer walls of the upper levels are carved with various motifs, including… The projecting eaves are divided into several types: those on the lower level, those on the upper level, and those at the corners, all projecting diagonally at a 5-degree angle, creating a dynamic visual effect.

The finial base has three tiers, with a hexagonal plan. The first and second tiers feature carved auspicious motifs within the belted waist, while the third tier is adorned with upturned lotus petals. The finial itself, made of copper, includes a cover bowl and spire, which were added and installed in recent years.

The pagoda body has a hexagonal plan, seven levels, and gradually tapers. It is a brick pagoda with imitation wooden structure and closely layered eaves. The base and bracket sets are all made of brick, with each level projecting outward. The structure gives off an antique and solemn impression.

According to inscriptions, the North Temple Pagoda was built during the Ming Dynasty, but its architectural style carries influences from the Liao and Jin periods, giving it significant historical value.

The North Temple Pagoda has a stable structure, elegant form, and harmonious proportions, making it a valuable physical reference for the study of pagodas from the Ming Dynasty.

In 2007, it was designated as a municipal-level cultural relic protection unit by the People’s Government of Xinzhou City.

Source: Xinzhou Net

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