Lingguang Temple

CHINA, Beijing

Lingguang means Spiritual Light; Lingguang Temple is located in Badachu Park. It was built during the rule of Emperor Daizong (reigned 762–779) of the Tang dynasty. The Zhaoxian Pagoda within the temple was constructed in 1071 during the Liao dynasty to house the Buddha’s tooth relic. The temple was reconstructed in 1162 during the Jin dynasty. Expansions were carried out during the reign of Emperor Zhengtong (reigned 1435–1449) of the Ming dynasty. The temple and Zhaoxian Pagoda were both destroyed in 1900 during the invasion of the Eight-Nation Alliance. Between 1958 and 1964 a new pagoda was built to the northwest of the original to house the Buddha’s tooth relic. Side halls were also built on the eastern and northern sides forming an architectural complex with the pagoda at the center. It was listed as a key Buddhist temple in the Han region of China in 1983.
The main buildings are the Buddha’s Tooth Relic Pagoda and the Great Hero Hall. The octagonal, 13-tier stone pagoda is 51 m high. It is built on a large Sumeru base made from white jade. One side has an extension with three Buddha statues, to which people pay their respects. There are alternating doors and windows. The doors located on the northeast and southwest sides lead to the central chamber. The first story is high with bracket sets supporting the eaves. The remaining eaves consist of corbeling. At the top of the pagoda there is an octagonal pyramidal roof covered with glazed tiles. The spire is 6 m high and consists of a gilt inverted bowl, a large jewel, stacked rings and a canopy, followed by the finial.
The interior is seven stories high. The first story features stone inscriptions, steles, and sutras engraved on the walls. The other stories contain sculptures, ritual instruments, and Buddhist texts in Chinese, Tibetan, and Mongolian, as well as the Dai language.