The South Putuo Temple or Nanputuo Temple is known to be one of the most visited tourist attractions in Xiamen, Fujian Province. The serene site is located just beneath the Wulaofeng Mountain facing the sea. Here are some facts about this fascinating Buddhist temple.
Overview
Earlier this temple was known as the Puxhao Temple or the Universal Grace Temple and was first constructed during the Tang Dynasty. It was rebuilt as the Nanputuo Temple during the reign of Qing Emperor Kangxi. Today, there are many hotels, restaurants and places to stay in such as the Pan Pacific Xiamen as this is a very famous tourist destination and is among the top list of things to do in Xiamen.
Devajara Hall
Here is where you will see the fabled statues of the ferocious heavenly kings. Thus the hall has been aptly named the hall of heavenly kings. You’ll see Maitreya in the centre of the room, majestic and larger than all other kings in the room. Known famously as the laughing Buddha, he’s believed to be the next Buddha.
Mahavira Hall
This hall features many statues and beautiful wall paintings depicting stories from India. The Mahavira hall also holds the statues of the Trinity of three ages – Kasyapa, Buddha of the past; Sakyamuni, Buddha of the present and Maitreya, Buddha of the present. You can also see a beautiful statue of Avalokitesvara and all his disciples.
Dabei Hall
This is an octagonal tower that was built in the 20th century. You can find statues of Avalokitesvara in the base of the structure which is built to depict a lotus plant. The impressive statue has 48 arms stretching out with a miniature sacred eye on each of them. You can also find two banyans planted on opposite corners of the hall.
Sutra Keeping Pavilion
This hall was added in 1936 to hold ancient scriptures and images of the lord Buddha brought in from all over the world. You can find incense burners, statues, valuable ivory sculptures wooden statues and carvings, handmade bells and bronze structures housed in different countries around the world.
