| Temple
of Mystery (Xuan Miao Guan) (3rd century site,
more recent buildings)
other
sites in Suzhou |
Suzhou, China |
Click on an image to enlarge
The Temple of Mystery (Xuan Miao Guan) is a Taoist temple dedicated to the four protectors of Taoist law. It was first constructed in the 3rd century A.D. and expanded in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), when it reached its greatest size. Now located in a bazaar area, the temple is choked with vendors and souvenir sellers, making it difficult for worshippers to reach the shrines. To their credit, the temple has historically been a place of gathering for traveling magicians and craftsmen.
Sanxing Dian Hall is the temple's most notable building. It was rebuilt in 1811 to house deity statues carved in the Song Dynasty. During the cultural revolution the hall was occupied by Red Guards and used as a gathering place. Later it was converted into a library. Sadly, the original Song Dynasty statues were destroyed by the Red Guards. New ones have replaced them.
Bibliography
http://www.chinaetravel.com/attraction/att17x1.html
http://english.ctrip.com/Destinations/Sight.asp?Resource=3767
http://web3.asia1.com.sg/tnp/journey/travel/echina/ecsztem.html
All images copyright 2001 Professor
Kerk L. Phillips of Brigham Young University, Utah, USA.
Visit his webpage at www.pomosa.com