Dagao Temple is located to the east of the Hengshan Reservoir in Yixing, with its origins dating back to the Southern Song Dynasty’s Xiancun period (A.D. 1265-1274), making it over 700 years old. It is also the place where the eminent monk and founder of Fo Guang Shan, Master Hsing Yun, took his monastic vows. The temple was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, and the structure seen today was rebuilt under the guidance of Master Hsing Yun in modern times.
The main pathways of Dagao Temple form a ‘T’ shape, with the entrance gate situated at the left end of the horizontal stroke of the ‘T’. From west to east, from the temple gate to the pagoda, forms the horizontal stroke, while from north to south, from the Guanyin Hall to the Mahavira Hall, forms the vertical stroke of the ‘T’. The lotus pond in front of the Guanyin Hall is the intersection of the horizontal and vertical strokes. By touring the horizontal first and then the vertical, one can easily explore the entirety of Dagao Temple. Standing in front of the temple gate is an Ashoka Pillar. Upon entering the gate, one is greeted by a long avenue, with Arhat statues on the right and a corridor adorned with colorful frescoes of flying celestial beings, Buddhas, and others on the left. At the end of the avenue stands a statue of Master Hsing Yun. A little further lies the pagoda. Returning to the Guanyin Hall, the walls are covered with small niches housing fresh-colored Bodhisattvas, and several large Bodhisattvas standing by the walls exhibit an Indian style. Looking south from the Guanyin Hall towards the Mahavira Hall offers an expansive view; the Mahavira Hall is situated on slightly higher ground and is very majestic. Ascending the broad steps does not take long to reach the Mahavira Hall, which houses a jade statue of Sakyamuni, with beautiful carvings on the walls on either side of the statue. Adjacent to the Mahavira Hall is a chamber that belonged to Master Hsing Yun, containing his calligraphy and writings. The vegetarian restaurant, Dishui House, located on the ground floor of the Guanyin Hall, offers not only staple foods like vegetarian noodles but also tea and pastries. The temple is open all year round from 8:00 to 17:00.Dagao Temple: Ancestral Temple of Buddhist Light
Dagao Temple is located to the east of the Hengshan Reservoir in Yixing, with its origins dating bac[...]
