Jade Buddha Temple

Jade Buddha Temple is one of the famous and venerable Buddhist temples, which is situated in the western part of Shanghai which is a very flourishing and modern city. This temple was built in the year 1882 and has two statues of jade Buddha which has been brought by the monk Huigen from Burma. This temple was however destroyed during overthrew revolution during the Qing Dynasty. The statues were fortunately saved and this new temple was again built at the same site in the year 1928 and known as the Jade Buddha Temple.

These two statues of jade Buddha are precious and work of porcelain artwork. They are rare cultural relics. Both of these Recumbent Buddha and Sitting Buddha are carved using whole white jade. The crystal clear and sparkling white jade gives the statue of Buddha the beauty and make them vivid. The statue of sitting Buddha is about 1.9 meters in height and is encrusted by the emerald and agate. This statue depicts the moment of the enlightenment and meditation of Buddha.

The Recumbent Buddha is about one meter long and lies on the right side. It has the right hand supporting head and left hand placed on the left leg. This pose is known as lucky repose. The sedate face depicts the peaceful mood of Sakyamuni while he has left this world. This temple also has the another statue of Recumbent Buddha which is about four meters long and was brought here from Singapore in the year 1989 by tenth abbot of this temple. You can also found many ancient paintings and scriptures related to Buddhism at different places in this hall.

The history of Jade Buddha temple is not so long but the classical architecture styles of old-time make it inimitable and unique in the modern town of Shanghai. Mavavira Hall, Devajara Hall and the Tower of Jade Buddha make the main structure of this temple. The Amitabha Dian Hall, Kwan-yin Hall, Recumbent Buddha Hall and the Dining-Room are at the sides. There are more than seven thousand Dazang sutras which are kept in the Tower of Jade Buddha are inestimable culture relics.

This is the best place to visit also if you are not a Buddhist. The transcendent and peaceful atmosphere adds the richness to this temple from the busy and modern society.