Sengguan Temple

Sengguan Temple is located on the top of Tieshanping Mountain in the Jiangbei District of Chongqing.

Origin of Sengguan Temple's Name

In Chinese, Sengguan means monk officials. Sengguan Temple was not only a temple but also an institute for governing the monks. In the past, if the monks wanted to become abbots, they must get trained in this temple. This system was originally implemented by the Houqin regime in the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Therefore, it obtained its name as Sengguan Temple.

History of Sengguan Temple

Sengguan Temple was originally built in Sui Dynasty and was later successively repaired. In Ming and Qing Dynasties, there were almost 300 monks in it. After several thousand years of ups and downs, today the Sengguan Temple takes on a vibrant look. In May 3rd 2007 after repairing, the Sengguan Temple was consecrated and re-open to the public.

Attractions of Sengguan Temple

There are the Great Buddha Hall, Temple for God of Wealth, Kwan-yin Palace, old temples, seven-storey Buddha Tower, stone lions, stone elephants, stone official hat, the bell tower etc. in the Sengguan Temple.

Bell Tower of Sengguan Temple

The bell tower collects a bronze bell which is 1.5 meters high with a diameter of 2 meters and a weight of about 5 tons. It is said that this bronze bell is the biggest and the most special bronze bell for blessing in Chongqing. Each morning, you can hear the resonant bells pealing the kindness and wisdom of Buddhist culture and at this time you can pray and make vows.

Buddha Tower of Sengguan Temple

The seven-storey Buddha tower is an unexpected unearthed cultural relics in Sengguan Temple. The foundation bed on the ground floor has been lost, yet that on the other 6 floors are quite clear. There are four statues on the ground floor and one auspicious picture on the second floor which have been weathered and eroded and can not been seen clearly. The lotus picture on the third floor is still kept in good condition. The spire of the Buddha tower is also destroyed. Analyze from the weathering degree, the Buddha tower may has a history of 500 to 1,000 years. It is believed as the treasure of Sengguan Temple.