- Ding Hui Temple
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Ding Hui Temple was built in 591 AD in Sui dynasty. According to Xu Gao Seng Zhuan written by a monk called Dao Xuan in Tang dynasty, the emperor Sui Yang held a meeting involving thousands of monks in Yangzhou. The creator of Tiantai Buddhism passed by Rugao and decided to build a temple. He took apart of houses and built a temple. And a pagoda was built at the same time.[1]
Contents
Brief introduction
Ding Hui Temple was seriously damaged due to wars in Song dynasty. In Ming Jiajing, Yangzhou government donated 46410 Liang( Chinese:两pinyin: liang ) to Rugao and helped Rugao to repair the whole city because Rugao was always disturbed by Japanese pirates. In Ming wanli, Ding Hui Temple was totally rebuilt and a scripture library was built. In November 1983, People’s Government of Jiangsu Province decided to open the temple to public. Most of its heritages were ruined and Buddha statues were heavily damaged. By Rugao Government’s efforts, Ding Hui Temple restored to its original and many tourists visit the temple every year.[2]
Temple layout
Ding Hui Temple covers an area of 16 Mu and the whole layout presents a shape like a Chinese character “回”. House churches are outer ring and temples are inside. The gate of the temple faces north, which is rare in China. Da Xiong Palace and Scripture library are both at south facing north. Now, a river surrounds the temple and makes the temple more beautiful. In Jingang Palace, there are four Buddha which have different appearance and postures. Zengzhang King carries a sharp sword with angry eyes. Chiguo King holds a lute looking up with pretension. Duowen King takes a umbrella with a hideous face. Guangmu King seizes a dragon by his strong muscles.
Location
Ding Hui Temple is at 17 on Shu Guang Road in southeast Rugao.
References
External links
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
