Mingjiao Temple

CHINA, Anhui, Hefei

This is the largest and oldest temple in Hefei. A temple was built on the site during the rule of Emperor Wu (reigned 502–549) of the Liang dynasty, but it was destroyed in wartime at the end of the Sui dynasty (581–618). A 6 m iron Buddha statue was excavated from the ruins during the rule of Emperor Daizong (reigned 762–779) of the Tang dynasty, so when the temple was rebuilt it was renamed Iron Buddha Temple. During the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), the temple was renamed Mingjiao Temple. It has flourished and declined throughout its history. This temple was listed as a key Buddhist temple in the Han region of China in 1983.
The temple is five m high and occupies 3,800 sq m. Along the central axis there are the main temple gate, Heavenly King Hall, Great Hero Hall, and Ksitigarbha Hall. In front of the steps leading up to the main temple gate there is a three-legged bronze incense burner in the form of a pagoda, with a stone lion on each side. The Great Hero Hall has a double-eave hip-and-gable roof with upturned corners. In the center of the main ridge, there is a large gourd-shaped decoration. Statues of Sakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, and the Medicine Buddha are enshrined inside the hall. It also houses a large iron bell cast during the rule of Emperor Daoguang (reigned 1821–1850) of the Qing dynasty. It is 2 m high and 1.5 m in diameter. The names of Buddhas, as well as floral designs, are engraved on it.