Beijing Shifang Pujue Temple (Wofo Temple, Yuan Dynasty)

Shifang Pujue Temple is located on the southern foot of Shou'an Mountain in Haidian District, Beijing, in the National Botanical Garden. It is commonly known as "Wofo Temple" because of the reclining Buddha statue in the temple. On June 25, 2001, Shifang Pujue Temple was included in the fifth batch of national key cultural relics protection units. The temple was built in the Zhenguan period of the Tang Dynasty and was originally named "Doushuai Temple." "Doushuai" is a transliteration of Sanskrit, meaning "wonderful foot" and "contentment." In 1320, Emperor Yingzong of the Yuan Dynasty ascended the throne and expanded the temple on the site of Doushuai Temple. It was renamed "Zhaoxiao Temple" and later "Hongqing Temple." In the first year of the Zhizhi period of the Yuan Dynasty (1321), a huge bronze statue of Shakyamuni Nirvana (5 meters long) and 12 clay statues of disciples were cast. In the eighth year of the Zhengtong period of the Ming Dynasty (1443), it was rebuilt and renamed "Shou'an Chanlin." In the eighteenth year of the Chenghua period (1482), it was renamed "Yongan Temple." In the twelfth year of the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty (1734), it was rebuilt and renamed. The entrance to the Three Buddhas Hall and the incense burner in front of the hall, the Three Buddhas Hall has a green glazed tile roof with yellow trim and a single-eave Xieshan roof. Above the door in front of the hall is a wooden plaque with the words "Shuanglin Suijing" written by Emperor Yongzheng. The entire temple faces south and is divided into three routes: middle, east, and west. The middle route includes the "Tongcan Micang" archway, Gongde Pond, Bell and Drum Tower, Mountain Gate Hall, Heavenly King Hall, Three Buddhas Hall, Reclining Buddha Hall, and Sutra Library, with auxiliary halls such as the Bodhidharma Hall and Prince Siddhartha Hall on both sides. The east route is the living quarters for the monks, with six courtyards including the Great Dining Hall, Great Meditation Hall, Jiyong Pavilion, Qingliang Hall, and Patriarch's Courtyard. The west route includes three palace courtyards. This layout of halls follows the seven-hall style of the Tang Dynasty and is very rare in the Beijing area.