Dajue Temple in Luliang County, Qujing
Overview
Dajue Temple (大觉寺, Dàjué Sì), officially known as Dajue Zen Temple (大觉禅寺, Dàjué Chán Sì), is located on Laosifang Street (老四方街, Lǎo Sìfāng Jiē) in Luliang County (陆良县, Lùliáng Xiàn), Qujing City (曲靖市, Qūjìng Shì), Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán Shěng). Established during the Yuan Dynasty (元朝, Yuán Cháo), it is one of the earliest Buddhist Zen monasteries in Luliang and was historically known as Beichan Temple (北禅寺, Běi Chán Sì).
Architecture and Layout
Dajue Temple faces south and covers an area of 8,000 square meters, featuring a rectangular layout based on a north-south central axis. The temple consists of five levels, which sequentially include:
- Mountain Gate (山门, Shānmén)
- Mountain Gate Hall (山门殿, Shānmén Diàn)
- Heavenly King Hall (天王殿, Tiānwáng Diàn)
- Mahavira Hall (大雄宝殿, Dàxióng Bǎodiàn)
- Rear Garden (后花园, Hòu Huāyuán)
- Sutra Storage Building (藏经楼, Cángjīng Lóu)
On both sides of the central axis, there are symmetrically arranged buildings such as the bell tower (钟楼, Zhōnglóu), drum tower (鼓楼, Gǔlóu), and east and west side rooms (东厢房, Dōng Xiāngfáng; 西厢房, Xī Xiāngfáng). The entire temple is grand in scale, showcasing meticulous and unique craftsmanship in its architectural materials.
Dajue Temple features a blend of Confucian and Daoist styles, evident in the Fengshan Academy (凤山书院, Fèngshān Shūyuàn) and Wenchang Palace (文昌宫, Wénchāng Gōng). This integration represents a traditional Han temple that embodies elements from Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism, showcasing high achievements in ancient architectural technology and artistry.
On March 5, 2013, Dajue Temple was designated as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.
Historical Development
Dajue Temple was founded during the Yuan Dynasty. Significant renovations occurred during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty (万历, Wànlì) from 1573 to 1620. Additional repairs were made throughout the years, particularly during the early Republic of China, when monks advocated for maintenance. In 1985, the Luliang County Government allocated funds to renovate the mountain gate and the Mahavira Hall, preserving the ancient architectural complex.
Architectural Features
Dajue Temple is characterized by its impressive five-layer structure:
1. First Level (Mountain Gate)
The mountain gate features a three-bay archway style, with a heavy top and three openings, adorned with brilliant gold decorations.
2. Second Level (Mountain Gate Hall)
This hall displays the plaque “Dajue Zen Temple” and houses two guardian deities.
3. Third Level (Heavenly King Hall)
This includes both the hall and a towering pagoda.
4. Fourth Level
The center of Dajue Temple, featuring the Mahavira Hall, Zen courtyard, bell and drum tower, and east-west corridors, all forming a spacious Buddhist compound. Ancient cypress trees add to the serene atmosphere.
5. Garden and Sutra Storage
Located behind the Mahavira Hall, the garden features ornamental rocks and osmanthus trees, known for their fragrant blossoms during the blooming season.
Among its many buildings, the Mahavira Hall and the Thousand Buddha Pagoda (千佛塔, Qiān Fó Tǎ) stand out as classic examples of architectural beauty.
Mahavira Hall
The Mahavira Hall is a traditional Chinese structure with a double-eaved hip roof, standing 17 meters tall and consisting of five bays. It features a corridor in front, adorned with a blue stone railing that showcases intricate carvings of animals, flowers, and figures. The hall is topped with glazed tiles, and decorative elements such as dragon heads and a giant bronze tripod create a distinctive look.
Thousand Buddha Pagoda
The Thousand Buddha Pagoda, located in front of the Heavenly King Hall and bell tower, is an 18-meter tall hexagonal brick pagoda with seven tiers. It contains 1,612 niches, each housing a relief of Shakyamuni Buddha. The pagoda is topped with a copper kettle and stone carvings, symbolizing protection against natural disasters and reflecting the ancient wisdom and architectural talents of its builders.
Cultural Significance
Local legends suggest that the area was once plagued by floods due to a mythical creature called the Ao fish, which was believed to cause chaos. To tame this creature, the pagoda was constructed alongside two golden roosters to keep watch and deter the Ao fish from causing further damage, symbolizing the people’s wish to conquer natural disasters.
Dajue Temple, with its combination of Confucian, Daoist, and Buddhist elements, is the largest and most well-preserved ancient temple in Luliang and represents a high level of architectural achievement in ancient Qujing.
Protection and Preservation
In 1983, Dajue Temple and the Thousand Buddha Pagoda were designated as provincial key cultural relic protection units. On March 5, 2013, Dajue Temple was recognized as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit by the State Council.
Travel Information
Location
Dajue Temple is located on Laosifang Street (老四方街, Lǎo Sìfāng Jiē) in Luliang County (陆良县, Lùliáng Xiàn), Qujing City (曲靖市, Qūjìng Shì), Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán Shěng).
How to Get There
To reach Dajue Temple, you can take a public bus to the county hospital station (县医院站, Xiàn Yīyuàn Zhàn) and then walk towards the temple. It is conveniently situated within the city, making it easily accessible.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for enjoying the pleasant weather, especially for outdoor exploration of the temple grounds.
- What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, along with water to stay hydrated and a camera to capture the temple’s beautiful architecture and scenery.
- Respect Local Customs: When visiting the temple, maintain a respectful demeanor and dress modestly. It is customary to remove shoes before entering certain sacred areas.
- Explore Nearby Attractions: Consider visiting other historical sites in the area to enrich your cultural experience, such as local markets and other temples that reflect Yunnan’s rich heritage.
- Photography: Check if photography is allowed in certain areas of the temple complex to ensure compliance with local rules.
