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The Jade Buddha is a famous Buddhist temple located in the west of Shanghai. It was demolished during the revolution that overthrew the Qing dynasty. During this period, many of the Buddhist statues in the temple were destroyed but the Jade Buddha statue was left untouched. The temple was later built and named as the Jade Buddha Temple.
The Jade Buddha Temple is a world-renowned temple known for its Buddha statue carved out from a piece of white jade; thus the temple's name. The statue is 1.34 meters wide and 1.9 meters tall, with a serene look on its face as it sits in a cross legged position. A smaller Buddha in a reclining position can also be seen inside this temple. The Buddha figures in the temple are complete with precious stones and robes which are actually imported from other counties.
A very significant factor which makes the Jade Buddha Temple famous is the Zen Buddhist monastery. From the time it was built in 1882, it has remained intact and well preserved. Over the years, monks occupied this monastery and have remained active till date.
The Jade Buddha Temple had experienced its share of past revolts and other historical factors. During the time of the Cultural Revolution in China, the temple was saved merely because an abbot hung a photograph of Mao on the gates. It was noted that the Red Guards had to tear the photo down in order to invade the temple. Since this act required death penalty, the guards were not able to enter the sanctuary of the temple.
The temple has the design of an old time classic architecture making it unique in the fast and hustling Shanghai metropolis. The main structure of the temple is divided into the Mahavira Hall, the Devajara Hall and the Jade Buddha Tower. The Kwan-yin Dian Hall, the Amitabha Dian Hall, the Zen Tang Hall, the Dining-Room and the Recumbent Buddha Hall are all on the sides of the temple.
The Sitting Buddha sits in the Jade Buddha Tower and the Recumbent Buddhas sit in the Recumbent Buddha Hall. An interesting fact about the Jade Buddha Temple is that more than 7,000 Dazang sutras are stored in the Jade Buddha Tower all of which are highly cherished cultural relics.
A tour to Shanghai is incomplete without visiting the temple. Even if you are not a Buddhist, it is a good place to relax in a peaceful sacred environment. Tourists can fill their hearts' content by taking pictures of the Temple and its surrounding areas with exception to the Jade Buddha’s room. |
