Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s3.t2.8

v1.c7.s3.t2.8

Mount Putuo owned more than 200 temples, Buddhist nunneries and thatched tents accommodating more than 4,000 monks during the era of Republic of China. Later due to major historical changes, there are now just more than 20 temples and Buddhist nunneries with more than 20 sight spots. Puji Temple, Fayu Temple and Huiji Temple are the three greatest temples on Mount Putuo. Puji Temple is located south of Baihuangding, Mount Putuo. Originally built in the Yuanfeng third year of the Northern Song Dynasty (1080) and expanded in the Wanli 33rd year of the Ming Dynasty (1605), Puji Temple was destroyed by the armed forces of Netherlands on the fourth year of the reign of Emperor Kangxi of Qing Dynasty (1665) and was rebuilt on the 38th year of the reign of Kangxi (1699). At present, there are more than 200 palace halls and rooms covering an area of 11,400 sq m. The main palace hall was rebuilt on the ninth year of the reign of emperor Yongzheng (1731) and could accommodate more than 1,000 people for religious services. The sitting statue of Avaloktesvara and statue of Thousand-Hand Guan-yin are both modern works. Fayu Temple is located east of Baihuangding at the foot of the Guangxi Peak. It was built in the eighth year of the reign of Emperor Wanli, Ming Dynasty (1580) and originally named as Haichao Nunnery and later renamed Huguo Zhenhai Temple. The temple was once damaged by fire but in the 28th year of the reign of Emperor Kangxi, Qing Dynasty (1689), it was rebuilt and renamed Fayu Temple on the 38th year of the reign of Emperor Kangxi, with an area of about 8,800 sq m. In the Hall of Avalokitesvara Buddhisatva, a huge statue of Avalokitesvara was consecrated with the statues of 18 Arhats on both sides. Huiji Temple is located at the top of Mount Putuo. At first, there was just a stone pavillion with a Buddhist statue for people to worship on its original location but later it was built into Huiji Nunnery. In the 58th year of the reign of Emperor Qianlong, Qing Dynasty (1793), the Nunnery was rebuilt and expanded into Huiji Temple. As they rolled into the 33rd year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu, Qing Dynasty (1907), another large-scaled expansion for the temple was completed.