Lingyan Temple Pratyekabuddha Pagoda

CHINA, Shandong, Jinan

The records state that the pagoda was built during the rule of Emperor Xuanzong (reigned 712–756) of the Tang dynasty. It was rebuilt in 1057 during the Northern Song dynasty, and has undergone a number of restorations since then.
The nine-story, octagonal, brick pagoda is 54 m high. Each side of the stone base has relief sculptures that depict stories, such that of King Asoka (reigned circa 269–232 BCE) of Maurya taking refuge. The first three stories have two sets of eaves, while the remaining stories have single eaves. All the eaves are supported by two-tier bracket sets. On each story there are arched doors on the sides facing the four cardinal directions, while there are false vertical bar windows on the remaining sides. The spire consists of an inverted bowl, stacked rings, a canopy, flame, horizontal crescent moon, and a jewel. Eight chains hang from the canopy to connect with the eight cast-iron vajras on the corners of the ninth story. Inside the first four stories, there is a central pillar with arched niches. There are stairs inside the central pillar. From the fifth story upwards the interior of the pagoda is solid.