With a fine blend of spirituality, art, and history, the South Putuo Temple is located at the foot of Wulaofeng in Xiamen. For those who are seeking a culturally rich experience and a bit of serenity in addition to that, this temple is certainly a must-visit, not to mention, easily accessible from hotels like Pan Pacific Xiamen! Here are a few of the architectural elements visitors are sure to enjoy when visiting South Putuo Temple.
Devajara Hall
Visitors can enter this hall through the southern entrance of the temple. It is also called the Hall of Heavenly Kings, which explains the 4 statues of regal yet formidable kings who are believed to guard the 4 paths. In the centre is a statue of the Laughing Buddha, Maitreya. The hall represents divine benevolence and joy.
Mahavira Hall
Step right into a world of captivating Buddhist lore as soon as you walk into the Mahavira Hall, which was built in 1921. This is where the revered Trinity of the Three Ages—Sakyamuni, Kasyapa, and Maitreya are sheltered alongside the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin. The walls are adorned with murals depicting different tales in Buddhism. All this makes the temple one of the most sought-after Xiamen tourist attractions.
Dabei Hall
Also called the Hall of Great Compassion, this part of the temple was rebuilt in an octagonal shape in 1928. The hall shelters 4 statues of Avalokitesvara, each with 48 outstretched hands and miniature eyes acting as a mark of universal compassion.
Sutra-Keeping Pavilion
This hall showcases historic artefacts and the temple’s scholarly and artistic legacy. Buddhist texts, Buddha images from Burma, bronze bells, ivory wood sculptures, and more are carefully preserved in this part of the temple, which was built in 1936.
