Five Pagoda Temple A Bejewelled Crown Of Bricks And Stones

Among the interesting architecture you are bound to come across in Asia

, a pagoda stands as a prominent one. A tower like multi-storey structure tapering off at the top is a common feature in pagodas. Pagodas are built near temples and considered as places of worship. They are built with materials like stone, wood, iron or brick and some of them even reach dizzying heights over 150 metres, such as the tallest pagoda in China Tianning.

China is quite famous for containing a great number of pagodas, portraying enchanting designs distinct to each pagodas locality. While most pagodas stand like solitary giants, there are ones accompanied by counterparts, like the Three Pagodas in Yunnan Province and Five Pagoda in Haidian District. Taking the pagoda architecture to new heights and lengths the Five Pagoda is a breathtaking landmark that appears from a distance like a gigantic ornate crown.

The Five Pagoda Temple also known as Wutasi rests about 200 metres northwest of Beijing Zoo surrounded by popular attractions. It was initially known as Zhenjuesi or the Temple of True Awakening and later as Dazhengjuesi or the Temple of Great Righteous Awakening. The earliest temple in the premises was built in 1473 and was renovated again in the mid 18th century. What you see today at the Five Pagoda Temple are the remains left by several conflicts in the region.

The temples unique design is an inspiration from Indian architectural style called Diamond Throne Pagoda. The one in Haidian District has evolved further from the original style imbuing traditional Chinese elements into the design. Built with bluestones and bricks the structure starts with a six storey high square base crowned by a soaring central pagoda flanked by four pagodas in the corners. The central pagoda houses 13 storeys while its smaller counterparts are two storeys less in height.

Five Pagoda Temple is teeming with carvings and reliefs including images, figures and symbols considered sacred in Buddhism. Moreover the ancient inscriptions of Sanskrit found in the premises make the temple an archeologically important site. It is a great place to study religious arts and architecture for the enthusiasts and a site enveloped in serenity, pleasing regular sightseers as well.

In the niches of the temple complex are over 1500 images of Buddha and on one of its walls is an important astronomical chart neatly carved. Besides being a religious site, the Five Pagoda Temple today stands as the Beijing Art Museum of Stone Carvings and exhibits over 2000 stone carvings.

Near the famous Five Pagoda Temple is the peaceful and picturesque Qingcheng Park overlooking the Shangri-La Hotel, Huhhot. Being the first international deluxe hotel in Huhhot it is a great choice for those who prefer a holiday away from the bustling cities. Being one of the best luxury Huhhot hotels you can enjoy spacious rooms and suites along with scrumptious cosmopolitan cuisine. Whats more you can even reach the international airport and the railway station within minutes from here, keeping you well connected during your holiday.

by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

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