Yuanpu Temple

　　Yuanpu Temple is situated in Wuheng Township, Yixiu District. The township is widely recognized as a cultural center, with a strong intellectual environment and a legacy of notable figures. Both the famous calligraphy master Deng Shiru and the “father of China’s nuclear bomb,” Deng Jiaxian, were born in Wuheng Township.

　　Yuanpu Temple was originally built during the Tianqi era of the late Ming Dynasty. In the early Qing Dynasty, it was relocated under the bridge in Wuheng Township to prevent refugees from taking shelter there. The temple was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, and all its facilities were lost. Fortunately, the preserved body of Master Liao Zhen remains intact to this day. In 1992, with the unanimous request of local residents and the support of government authorities at various levels, the temple was restored, and a golden body was created for Master Liao Zhen, thus preserving this cultural relic. Over the past few years, with strong support from all sectors, the three main halls have been successively completed, and the temple now welcomes a continuous stream of worshippers and visitors.

　　The Relic Hall enshrines the preserved golden body of Master Liao Zhen. The master, whose dharma name was Xinping and secular surname was Duan, was originally a bamboo weaver from Dongxiang in Zongyang. He became a monk at the age of 49 at Yuanpu Temple, where he practiced asceticism for 47 years before attaining enlightenment in the 42nd year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign. Before his passing, he instructed his disciples to place his body in a jar for two years. If the body decayed, it could be disposed of freely; if it remained intact, it should be moved to the riverside hermitage (the current site) to be enshrined in a stupa, with an octagonal pavilion built around it. When the jar was opened after his death, his body was found to be miraculously well-preserved, so his instructions were followed. During his lifetime, Master Liao Zhen was known for his piety and diligence—he would bring his own cooking utensils when taking on manual work. Some of the bamboo products he wove were still preserved among locals in the early years after the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

　　It is said that Master Liao Zhen had a particular fondness for rice cakes, especially sticky rice cakes. To this day, on the 23rd day of the 10th lunar month, the anniversary of his birth, devotees often bring rice cakes to offer as tribute—a tradition that continues to this day. Thanks to the presence of his preserved body, the temple has enjoyed enduring and flourishing incense offerings.