Arhat Temple

Arhat Temple

Chongqing Shi

75/10090 min

Arhat Temple, also known as Luohan Temple, is a significant Buddhist temple located in the Yuzhong District of Chongqing, China. Originally built during the Song dynasty in the 11th century by the monk Zuyue, it was initially named Zhiping Temple. The temple has undergone numerous renovations and expansions through the Ming and Qing dynasties, including the addition of 500 Arhat statues in the late 19th century, which led to its current name. The temple suffered extensive damage during the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Cultural Revolution, but it was rebuilt and restored starting in the mid-20th century. Architecturally, the temple features the Mahavira Hall with statues of Sakyamuni and the Three Sages of the West, and the Arhat Hall housing 524 Arhat statues. The site is also renowned for its cliff inscriptions carved during the Song dynasty, which exhibit exquisite craftsmanship. Today, Arhat Temple serves as the site of the Buddhist Association of Chongqing and remains a vital cultural and religious landmark.

Planifiez votre voyage en Chine avec l'IA

Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.

Astuce: The best time to visit Arhat Temple is during spring and autumn when the weather in Chongqing is mild. Visitors are advised to check opening hours in advance and consider purchasing tickets beforehand to avoid queues. The temple offers discounts for students and seniors. Modest attire is recommended due to the temple's religious significance. Photography is allowed but be respectful of worshippers and avoid flash in the halls.

Faits intéressants

  • The temple houses over 500 Arhat statues, each uniquely crafted and enshrined in the Arhat Hall.
  • The cliff inscriptions at Arhat Temple date back to the Song dynasty and include over 400 Buddha statues carved with exquisite technique.
  • Arhat Temple was a filming location for the 2006 Chinese black comedy film Crazy Stone.
  • The temple survived multiple renovations despite damage from war and the Cultural Revolution.
  • It serves as the site of the Buddhist Association of Chongqing, highlighting its religious importance.

Histoire

1064

Arhat Temple was founded in the Zhiping period (1064–1067) of the Song dynasty by monk Zuyue and was initially called Zhiping Temple.

During the Ming dynasty, monk Xi'an expanded the temple with additional buildings.

500

The Qing dynasty saw renovations under Governor-General Li Guoying and further refurbishments including the addition of 500 Arhat statues in 1885.

1939

The temple was heavily damaged by air raids in 1939 during the Second Sino-Japanese War and later attacked during the Cultural Revolution when many statues were destroyed.

1947

Restoration began after 1947, and the temple was officially reopened in 1984.

1983

It was designated a National Key Buddhist Temple in 1983 and a provincial key cultural unit in 2006.

Guide du lieu

1
Mahavira Hall1947

Built in 1947, this main hall features a central statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. Behind it are the Three Sages of the West: Guanyin, Amitabha, and Mahasthamaprapta. The hall is flanked by statues of the Sixteen Arhats, symbolizing Buddhist guardianship.

2
Arhat Hall1986

Constructed in 1986, the Arhat Hall contains 524 statues of Arhats, each with distinct expressions and postures, representing enlightened Buddhist disciples.

Contact

Téléphone: 023 6370 0786