Written by: Saram Maqbool
Posted on: December 18, 2023 | 
| 中文
Interior of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing
Designing a religious building is among the dreams of many architects. The complexity, thought, spirituality, metaphor and scale that go into a religious structure are all aspects that excite designers. They often get to think outside the box, while adhering to certain principles and limitations, making for a uniquely challenging yet rewarding project. One effective way to assess the importance and impact of religious architecture is to look at ancient Chinese temples. It is a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of China, reflecting a harmonious blend of spiritual beliefs, artistic expression and traditional construction techniques.
Red and Yellow are featured heavily in Chinese temples due to their symbolic meanings
One of the key features of ancient Chinese temple architecture is its deep connection to religious practices, primarily influenced by Daoism, Confucianism and Buddhism. These temples were designed to serve as places of worship, meditation and communal gatherings, embodying the spiritual essence of the respective belief systems. The layout of these structures often adhered to principles of feng shui, emphasizing the harmony between the natural environment and the built form.
Detailed carvings are featured on the pagodas in Chinese temples
The orientation of the plan became key in this regard. The buildings were mostly laid across the North-South axis, with their entrance facing the Southern end, since it is considered the most auspicious side in Chinese tradition. These entrances were often protected by a ‘spirit wall' too, to offer protection against bad spirits and energy. For a culture that believes so much in good and bad energy so as to develop its architecture on principles of feng shui, it only makes sense to have similar features incorporated in its temples and places of worship.
An example of Feng Shui architecture, mountains at the back and water in front
The roof of Chinese temples is among their most distinctive elements, showcasing elaborate, upturned eaves with intricate decorations. The curved lines of the roofs are believed to represent the rhythm of nature and symbolize protection. In many examples, traditional wooden construction methods were employed, utilizing interlocking beams and brackets without the need for nails, showcasing the advanced engineering skills of ancient Chinese builders. The fact that these buildings are standing to this day is truly a sign of how effective vernacular and traditional construction methodologies are.
A perfect example of this is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests within the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. It is a massive wooden structure, one of the largest from medieval times, in fact, it was created without a single nail. It's a circular hall placed within a square yard, the circle representing Heaven and the square representing Earth. However, the roof of this structure steals the show! It is a three-tiered structure that is supported by 28 columns. Not only is the tiered roof a symbolic element of Chinese imperial architecture, but its blue color is representative of the Heaven above.
Pagoda Forest at the Shaolin Temple
In Chinese temple design, cosmic hierarchy is symbolized by the tiered design of pagodas as well, with each level representing a different realm. These are a common feature in Chinese temple complexes, with both religious and practical purposes. Pagodas often act as a symbol of enlightenment in Buddhism, and offer an excellent vantage point to observe the surrounding landscape. The importance of pagodas may be assessed via the Pagoda Forest at the Shaolin Temple in Henan. Comprising numerous stupas or pagodas, this sacred graveyard symbolizes the resting place of eminent monks, and serves as a tangible testament to the temple's historical lineage. The varying heights of the pagodas represent the seniority and contributions of the monks buried beneath them.
Shaolin Temple in Henan
Moving away from structural marvels, one must also talk about the decorative elements of Chinese temples. Ornate carvings and sculptures are integral to the decoration of such religious buildings. Stone lions, dragons and mythical creatures adorn entrances, serving as protectors and guardians. Dragons and phoenixes also grace the structures, embodying cosmic balance and protection. Intricate carvings tell stories, with lotus flowers symbolizing purity amid muddy waters. Among the most revered temples in China with such features is the White Horse Temple. It holds a special place in Chinese history, as the first Buddhist temple established in the country. Located near Luoyang, its architecture reflects a unique blend of cultural influences. Constructed during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD), the temple embodies a mix of Indian and Chinese architectural styles, showcasing a distinctive fusion. The entrance gate, adorned with intricate carvings and colorful paintings, leads visitors into a tranquil courtyard surrounded by halls and pavilions. The Hall of the Heavenly Kings, a significant structure within the temple, features traditional Chinese architectural elements and Buddhist motifs. The main hall, the Hall of the Great Buddha, houses statues of Buddha and his disciples, emphasizing a serene ambiance for prayer and contemplation.
White Horse Temple in Luoyang
Many other ancient temples in China have stood the test of time, both structurally and symbolically. These marvelous pieces of architecture remind us of the significance of religious buildings and their ties to the local culture. They are truly a testament to human creativity and innovation, as not everyone has the capability to translate often vague ideas and myths into literal, tangible pieces of practical art.
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