Putuoshan Puji Temple Prabhutaratna Pagoda

CHINA, Zhejiang, Zhoushan

This pagoda is located on the southeast side of Puji Temple and is one of the oldest structures on Putuoshan. It is regarded as one of the Three Treasures of the island. It was constructed in 1334 during the Yuan dynasty. Crown Prince Xuanrang, together with many others, donated money for the construction of the pagoda, hence it is also known as the Crown Prince Pagoda. It was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2006.
The pagoda’s name is derived from the Prabhutaratna Pagoda mentioned in the Lotus Sutra. It is 18.2 m high and has a rectangular base. The base has two levels and it is made from granite. The first level is 2.9 m high and 11.9 m wide. At its corners there are the carvings of the Four Heavenly Kings. The second level is 3 m high and 6.5 m wide. Balustrades surround the top of both levels with dragon heads set beneath the newel and corner posts. The base is carved with layers of patterns such as waves, clouds, and mountains. The pagoda body has three tiers and is constructed from Taihu stone. Each side has ogee arch niches, within which there is a Buddha or Bodhisattva. There is a line of three or five Arhats in front of each Buddha and Bodhisattva on the first tier, forming the Eighteen Arhats. Below the Arhats there are carvings of mountains and waves. At the corners there are round pillars with low reliefs. The second and third tiers are less decorative and are surrounded by stone balustrades. There are plantain leaves decorated with cloud motifs at the four corners on the top of the pagoda. At the center there is an inverted bowl followed by a Sumeru base, two upright lotuses, and a glazed jewel. The inverted bowl is decorated with three layers of lotus petals.