Mianyang Shengshui Temple, a free, popular attraction.

👉The temple was originally built during the Guangming era of the Tang Dynasty (880 AD) and named "Shengshui" (Holy Water) in the first year of the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty (1436 AD). The old temple site was located beneath the cliff behind the present Guanyin Hall. The current temple was rebuilt after 1985.

🌈The new temple boasts an open layout, grand scale, and harmonious design, resembling a large Buddhist monastery. Along the central axis stand the majestic Hall of Heavenly Kings, Guanyin Hall, Hall of Great Compassion, Weituo Hall, and Mahavira Hall. On both sides, the Jade Buddha Hall, Ksitigarbha Hall, Patriarch Hall, Guanyin Pavilion, Five Officials Hall, Garan Hall, Bell and Drum Tower, and the newly completed Sutra Repository create a magnificent sight. The total building area reaches 14,745 square meters.

👍The temple's cliff carvings currently include 7 niches and 8 inscriptions, carved from the first year of the Yonghui era of the early Tang Dynasty (650 AD) to the Zhonghe era of the late Tang Dynasty (881-885 AD). They primarily consist of three forms: combined Buddhist and Taoist niche carvings, Taoist carvings, and Buddhist carvings. The carvings of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Lao-Tzu), the 52 Perfected Beings, Amitabha Buddha, and the 52 Bodhisattvas sharing the same niche are quite rare. In particular, the carving of the Water-Moon Guanyin is exquisitely crafted and is the earliest Water-Moon Guanyin carving with a clear date discovered in Sichuan so far, making it extremely precious. In 2012, the Sichuan Provincial Government designated it as a cultural relic protection site.

Post by Penelope Carmichael | Mar 10, 2025