Lingxiadong Temple

TAIWAN, Hsinchu

Lingxiadong Cave was founded by Master Dexin in 1917 and its construction was completed in 1924. The gateway was built in front of the main hall in 1932. Guest rooms were added in the open space in front of the main hall in 1971.
The major structures are the gateway and main hall. The three-bay wide gateway was built close to the entrance to the main hall. Each of the three arched doorways has a Baroque-style pediment. The pillar capitals are surmounted by hourglass-shape lotus bases with spires in the form of auspicious fruits. The facade is eye-catching with its pillars covered in colorful ceramic tiles. The gateway has a rather eclectic style with a combination of Eastern and Western aesthetics.
The main hall is attached to an excavated shallow and narrow cave. The hall houses a seated Sakyamuni Buddha statue, flanked by the figures Mahakasyapa and Ananda. In front of the Buddha there are statues of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, Skanda, and Sangharama. The walls are hung with paintings by the famous artist Qiu Zhengbang.