Lingshan梵宫 is located within the Lingshan Scenic Area, standing adjacent to the Lingshan Giant Buddha, and is a rather magnificent Buddhist palace. It features exquisite decorations and exhibits that are worth a close look. When the梵宫’s altar is not hosting meetings, there are dreamlike performances of ‘Lingshan Auspicious Ode’ every day, which are spectacular and not to be missed.
The exterior of Lingshan梵宫 is primarily styled after the Huazang Pagoda, incorporating elements of grottoes and traditional Buddhist architecture. The large stone slab exterior walls are covered with exquisite reliefs, and the five golden spires are very grand. Upon entering the palace, the interior is adorned with artistic treasures such as Dongyang wood carvings, Dunhuang murals, Yangzhou lacquerware, cloisonné lamps, Shoushan stone carvings, and Jingdezhen blue and white porcelain vases, which are overwhelming to the eyes. The spacious hall is resplendent with gold and splendor, where you will see the twelve zodiac gold statues in human form, each in a different sitting posture, with lifelike expressions.
Arriving at the atrium, the meticulously carved tall dome is extraordinarily imposing, with a blue top resembling the sky; on the front beams and pillars, there are statues of immortals in various forms, as if about to fly out. Walking through the atrium to the end, you will see a high wall shining with strange lights and colors, which is the treasure of the palace, ‘Huazang World’. The wall is 100 square meters large, made from 160 pieces of colored glaze, with reliefs and ‘one large and four small’ golden Buddhas inlaid in the middle, above which is a wooden plaque inscribed with ‘Infinite Wonderful Response’ in gold characters, making the entire piece dazzling.
Visit the altar to see the spacious venue’s eye-catching, colorful dome, with ever-changing lights that make one feel as if they have entered a dream. The ‘Lingshan Auspicious Ode’ performance here tells the story of Siddhartha Gautama giving up his princely status and luxurious life, becoming a monk, enduring hardships, and ultimately achieving enlightenment. You can watch the performance while sitting on a meditation cushion. Additionally, on the second floor of the palace, there is a treasure hall displaying works of many contemporary art and craft masters, including jade carvings, porcelain, and paintings, which are a feast for the eyes. On the third floor, the Wu Guan Hall offers vegetarian meals.
Outside the palace, there are square, Fragrance Sea, Manfeilong Tower, Wu Yin Altar City, and other Buddhist landscape buildings that can be enjoyed at leisure. The palace is open from 07:00 to 17:30 all year round, and the specific business status is subject to the daily opening situation. A must-see tip: At the entrance of the palace, staff distribute shoe covers, and there are audio guides for rent (10 yuan per unit).