Miaozhan Temple Diamond Throne Pagoda

CHINA, Yunnan, Kunming

The pagoda is located in front of Miaozhan Temple and was built in 1458 during the Ming dynasty. The upper section was damaged by an earthquake in 1666 and was not repaired until 30 years later. The most recent repairs were undertaken in 1982. It was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 1996.
The diamond throne pagoda is built from sandstone. It has a square base that is 4.7 m high and each side is 10.4 m long. There are two arched passageways which cross in the center. A stele recording the construction of the structure can be found on the west wall. Raised on a platform, the main stupa stands in the center with four smaller stupas at each corner. The main stupa is 16.1 m high and stands on a square Sumeru base. The concave section is divided by pilasters into individual panels, each of which features a relief of one of the mounts of the Five Dhyani Buddhas: a lion, elephant, horse, peacock, and garuda. A warrior is carved on each corner. Above the base there is a seven-tier round plinth that supports the pagoda body, which is in the shape of an inverted bowl. Buddha niches are carved on four sides of the stupa body. The body is surmounted by the spire, which consists of a square harmika, 13 stacked rings, a bronze canopy, and jeweled finial. There are bronze images of the Four Heavenly Kings on the vertical surface of the canopy.
The four smaller stupas are similar. They are about 5 m high and were rebuilt during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911). They have large Sumeru bases and small bodies. Their upper parts are similar to sutra pillars and they are surmounted by small spires.