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| Shaolin Temple | ||
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Located
northwest of Dengfeng County, the Temple was built in 495 AD during the
Northern Wei Dynasty. Emperor Xiaowen ordered the construction of this temple,
to help with the settling down of a famous indian Monk Boddhidharma, who
arrived in 527 and initiated the Chan Sect of Buddhism. Shaolin hence became
the birthplace of the Chan Sect. At the beginning of the seventh century
13 martial monks were rewarded by Tang Dynasty Emperor Li Shimin, after
they had saved him from danger. The Temple was given the title "No. One
Temple Under Heaven". Shaolin kongfu thus developed rapidly and its fame
spread.
The 30,000-square-meter temple is composed of seven rows of buildings including the Hall of Heavenly King, Dharma Pavilion, Thousand-Buddha Hall, White- Robe Bodhisattva Hall, the Hall of Ksitigarbba (Guardian of the Earth). The Forest of Stupas behind the temple is China's largest group of ancient stupas, which number more than 240. This area has served as a cemetery, which dated back to the Tang Dynasty. The dead monk's ashes used to be buried underground but a pagoda would be erected right above. The difference in shape and height just indicates the varying positions. These pagodas provide precious evidences on brick-stone architecture, carving and sculpture, history of arts and religions. Entry fee: 40 yuan |
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