Puhua Temple of Mount Wutai, Xinzhou

Puhua Temple (普化寺) is located in Wutai County (五台县), Xinzhou City (忻州市), Shanxi Province (山西省), about 1 kilometer south of the central temple complex in Taihuai Town (台怀镇), Wutai Mountain Scenic Area (五台山景区). It sits at the foot of the mountain on the east side of the Qingshui River (清水河). The temple is built on flat terrain with a symmetrical layout. Facing east to west, it is designed around the central courtyard, with two-tier courtyards to the north and south, forming five parallel courtyards. The temple covers 15,800 square meters with more than 100 halls and buildings.

Introduction

Puhua Temple (普化寺) is one of the youngest temples in Mount Wutai (五台山), yet it is one of the busiest with pilgrims. Its exact founding date is unknown. The temple has the Heavenly King Hall, Mahavira Hall, Three Great Beings Hall, Jade Emperor Pavilion, Lüzu Pavilion, meditation halls, and side corridors. With five courtyards in parallel, it represents both elegance and order.

Reconstruction Period

Puhua Temple (普化寺), originally known as Jade Emperor Temple (玉皇庙) and Palace of Indra (帝释宫), was rebuilt in the Republic of China period (民国时期). In the late Ming Dynasty (崇祯年间, 1628–1644), it became known as Jade Emperor Temple due to the Jade Emperor Pavilion built there. The current structures were rebuilt in 1925 on the ruins of the former Jade Emperor Temple. Its architectural style is notable for corridor structures, fine stone carvings of white marble, and refined decorations reflecting early 20th-century temple architecture.

Main Structures

The Mahavira Hall (大雄宝殿), located behind the Heavenly King Hall (天王殿), is the temple’s most important building. With three bays, a hip-and-gable roof, intricate wooden carvings, painted dougong brackets, and wall murals depicting the life of Shakyamuni (释迦牟尼), it stands out for its exquisite and elegant decoration. Inside, Shakyamuni Buddha is enshrined, flanked by Manjusri (文殊) and Samantabhadra (普贤), with eighteen Arhats along the walls.

Layout and Structure

The Mahavira Hall faces east to west, flanked by two-story wooden buildings on both sides, with interconnecting corridors. The temple also features Mount Wutai’s longest screen wall, decorated with carvings such as the “Three Stars of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity” (福禄寿三星), “King Wen Parting with His Son” (文王别子), and “Seeking Worthies by the Wei River” (渭水求贤). These carvings are masterpieces of stone and brickwork in Mount Wutai.

Stone Plaques and Carvings

At the entrance stands the Heavenly King Hall (天王殿) with a stone plaque inscribed with “Puhua Temple (普化寺).” Its pillars, door frames, and foundation stones are decorated with carvings of dragons, animals, and folk scenes such as herdsmen, farmers, and travelers. The carvings reflect both Buddhist and Daoist elements, including mythological figures like the “Two Generals Heng and Ha” (哼哈二将) and depictions of subduing dragons and tigers.

Public Access and Monastic Life

Although relatively young, Puhua Temple (普化寺) became an important Buddhist center. The renowned Buddhist scholar and translator Master Fazun (法尊法师) was ordained here. Later, Master Zangming (藏明和尚), known both as a “Temple Restorer” and “Divine Doctor Monk,” rebuilt parts of the temple and practiced Buddhist medicine, blending healing with Buddhist compassion. He was honored as a “Model Worker” and a “Buddhist National Healer.” His disciple, Master Miaosheng (妙生和尚), succeeded him as abbot, known for his strict discipline, Buddhist calligraphy, and scholarship.

Cultural Exchange

Since the 1980s, Puhua Temple (普化寺) has hosted many national leaders, as well as international Buddhist delegations from Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the United States. Through cultural exchanges, the temple has contributed to strengthening Buddhist ties and promoting Mount Wutai’s reputation as a center of Buddhist heritage. Today, Puhua Temple remains a flourishing spiritual site, known as a “shining pearl of Mount Wutai.”