Pilu Temple

CHINA, Hebei, Shijiazhuang

Pilu refers to Vairocana Buddha. According to historical records, the temple was built during the rule of Emperor Xuanzong (reigned 712–756) of the Tang dynasty. Repairs were made in 1342 during the Yuan dynasty, and large-scale renovations were carried out during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). Repairs continued to be undertaken at various times. The temple was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 1996.
The Sakyamuni Hall and Vairocana Hall date back to the Ming dynasty. Other buildings were reconstructed in 1988, including the main temple gate and the bell and drum towers. The three-by-two bay Sakyamuni Hall has a single-eave overhanging gable roof. A seated statue of Sakyamuni Buddha is enshrined inside. The temple’s main hall is the three-by-two bay Vairocana Hall. It has a single-eave hip roof, which has a gentle slope with conspicuous extended eaves. Porticos with hip-and-gable roofs are located at the front and back of the building, so that it has a cross-shaped plan. At either end of the roof ridge there are dragons and phoenixes. A statue of Vairocana Buddha is enshrined inside the hall. Ming dynasty murals depicting figures attending the Water and Land Dharma Service occupy about 130 sq m of wall space in 122 groupings, each with an inscription explaining the subject matter. Altogether, there are 508 individual figures. The murals have a high artistic value and are among the best preserved temple murals in China.