| Zhusheng Temple | |
|---|---|
祝圣寺 | |
 TheShanmen of Zhusheng Temple. | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Buddhism |
| Sect | Chan Buddhism |
| District | Nanyue District |
| Prefecture | Hengyang |
| Province | Hunan |
| Location | |
| Country | China |
  Shown within Hunan | |
| Prefecture | Hengyang |
| Geographic coordinates | 27°14′55″N112°44′39″E / 27.248635°N 112.744304°E /27.248635; 112.744304 |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Chinese architecture |
| Founder | master Chengyuan |
| Date established | 712-802 |
Zhusheng Temple (simplified Chinese:祝圣寺;traditional Chinese:祝聖寺;pinyin:Zhùshèng Sì) is aBuddhist temple located at the foot ofMount Heng, inNanyue District ofHengyang,Hunan,China. It was inscribed to theNational Key Buddhist Temples in Han Chinese Area's list in 1983.
Zhusheng Temple was first construction as "Mituotai" (弥陀台) during theTang dynasty (618-907) by master Chengyuan (承远), the Third Patriarch ofPure Land Buddhism. In 779,Emperor Daizong of Tang inscribed and honored the name "Bozhou Daochang" (般舟道场). During the Zhenyuan period ofEmperor Dezong of Tang (785-805), the Tang emperor named the temple "Mituo Temple" (弥陀寺). SinceEmperor Wuzong (814-846) of theTang dynasty (618-907) who was a staunchTaoist, he ordered to demolish Buddhist temples, confiscate temple lands and force monks to return to secular life. This was known as "Huichang Suppression of Buddhism" (会昌法难). The temple was completely destroyed in the movement.[1][2]
During the period ofFive Dynasties and Ten Reigns (930-960), King Wumu of ChuMa Yin rebuilt the temple and named it "Baoguo Temple" (报国寺).[1][2]
During the Taiping Xingguo period (968-976) ofSong dynasty (960-1279),Emperor Taizong of Song renamed it "Shengye Temple" (胜业寺). In 1119,Emperor Huizong of Song who was a staunch Taoist ordered to convert the Buddhist temple into aTaoist temple and named it "Shenxiao Palace" (神霄宫).[1][2]
During theYuan dynasty (1271-1368), Shengye Temple was enlarged burned, and consecrated several times.[1][2]
In 1635, during the lateMing dynasty (1368-1644), abbot Foding (佛顶) renovated the temple.[1][2]
In 1705, in the 44th year of Kangxi period ofQing dynasty (1644-1911),Kangxi Emperor made an inspection trip in the south,Zhao Shenqiao (赵申乔), provincial governor of Hunan, changed the temple to a Royal palace, but Kangxi Emperor didn't come here. In 1713, Kangxi Emperor gave the temple a set ofDragon-storeTripiṭaka (《龙藏》). In 1727, in the 5th year of Yongzheng period,Yongzheng Emperor renamed the temple "Zhusheng Temple" (祝圣寺), and has continued to this day.[1][2]
During the early Republic period (1911-1949), Master Kongye (空也) established a branch ofTiantai school here. In 1929, Master Lingtao (灵涛) founded the "Buddhist Institute of Mount Heng" here. On May 7, 1937,Ye Jianying organised the Rescue Association of Mount Heng Buddhism and Taoism (南岳佛道救难协会) here.[1][2]
After the establishment of PRC in 1956, the Buddhist Association of Mount Heng was set up here. During the disastrousCultural Revolution, thered guards had attacked the temple.Buddhist scriptures, valuable historical documents, and other works of art were either stolen, damaged or destroyed, many originalBuddha statues and musical instruments in the temple had been damaged or lost, but the buildings and halls remained intact. In 1979, according to the national policy of free religious belief, Zhusheng Temple was reconstructed and reopened. It has been designated as aNational Key Buddhist Temple in Han Chinese Area in 1983.[1][2]
Along the central axis of the temple stand five buildings includingshanmen,Hall of Four Heavenly Kings,Mahavira Hall, Dharma Hall and Abbot's Room.
TheMahavira Hall is the third hall in the temple. In the center of the temple enshrines the statue ofSakyamuni withAmitabha standing on the left andBhaisajyaguru on the right.
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