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Putuoshan |
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Guanyin of the South Sea
Guanyin of the South
Sea was built on the southeast shores of Putuoshan in bronze, limestone, marble and
gold in 1998. It is a statue of Guanyin standing on a lotus throne. The statue
of Guanyin is 20 meters high and together with the supporting base it reaches a
height of 33 meters. The height of 33 meters could represent the 33 bodies of
Guanyin or the 33 layers that the sky has in Buddhist doctrine. Since the completion of this imposing statue,
it has been visited and worshipped by millions of pilgrims annually.
The
statue itself is a great piece of art, visable by boat far from the island.
Today, the statue has become one of Putuoshans most symbolic sights. Guanyin of the South Sea
protects the fishermen and aids them to the the
harbor. She is holding a helm in her left hand, symbolising her alliance with
the fishermen. The hand upraised with palm forward, signifies protection and the
assuagement of fears.
Legend has it that Guanyin was born on February 19th of the lunar calendar, achieved enlightenment on June 19th and achieved nirvana on September 19th. On such dates, pilgrims from all over the country and foreign countries congregate at Putuoshan to pay homage to the Goddess. Her anniversary (the opening of the statue) is celebrated on the 26th of October.
The supporting base consists out of two levels. The first level is the benefice hall and the second level is the hall of 500 Guanyin statues. Each statue in the hall represents a feature of Guanyin, so they are all different. The walls are crammed with intricate wall-to-ceiling murals made with bronze, dark wood, and even colored jade. The murals illustrate scenes from the story of Putuoshan's origin and familiar pictures of present-day Putuoshan.Written on the walls are the names of those who gave money to build the statue. In front of the statue is a square with 2 altars. Here occur Buddhist ceremonies on special occasions. There is a beautiful archway that leads to the square.
For more information about Guanyin click here. The four imposing statues which you can always see in the neighbourhood of Guanyin, are called the Four Heavenly Kings.For more information about them, click here.
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For information or reservation call or send an e-mail to Chen Zhongyu ((0580)6091227) in Putuoshan.
Last modification: 10/11/2003
This page is made by Anthony Debyser. For comment on this page send an e-mail to adebyser@hotmail.com
(c)2003. All rights reserved.
