The Longquan Temple in Shentanggou—A Popular Temple in Taiyuan, Also Known as Little Wutai Mountain

There are many Longquan Temples in China. Taiyuan alone has three. The most famous is the Longquan Temple on Mount Tai, renowned for its suspended sculptures in the Guanyin Hall and the śarīra crypt. The second is the Longquan Temple in Shentanggou, a large-scale temple also known as Little Wutai Mountain. The third is the North Longquan Temple on Chaihu Road in Jiancaoping District, standing alone in the mountains. The Longquan Temple in Shentanggou faces east and was originally built during the Tang Dynasty. Legend has it that Emperor Taizong of Tang once watered his horse here, hence the spring was named "Divine Spring," and the Longquan Temple was built. The parking lot sign indicates a fee of 3 yuan per hour, but the barrier is raised, so parking is actually free. The ancient Longquan Temple itself is not large, but it is extremely popular. With the later additions of the Vajra Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda, the Western Three Saints Hall, and the Five-Direction Manjushri Hall, it has become quite magnificent, arguably the largest Buddhist site in Taiyuan. The Shanmen (mountain gate) of the ancient Longquan Temple is also the Hall of the Heavenly Kings. Maitreya Buddha welcomes visitors, while Skanda Bodhisattva stands guard behind him. This is a typical Pure Land Buddhism layout. Bell and drum towers stand on either side. Entering the courtyard, you face the Mahavira Hall, which enshrines the Buddhas of the Three Worlds: Amitabha Buddha of the Western Paradise, Shakyamuni Buddha of the present Saha World, and Bhaisajyaguru Buddha of the Eastern Pure Glass World. Manjushri, riding a lion, and Samantabhadra, riding an elephant, flank them. The side halls are the Ksitigarbha Hall and the Guanyin Hall. Today happens to be the 19th day of the second lunar month, Guanyin Bodhisattva's birthday. Monks are leading a group of lay Buddhists in a ceremony, chanting "Namo Guanyin Bodhisattva" to express gratitude, reverence, and devotion. The magnificent Vajra Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda is octagonal and has thirteen levels. Thirteen in Buddhism represents the highest level, as there are thirteen Buddhist schools. Therefore, pagodas have a maximum of thirteen levels. It is said that each corner of each level contains the Diamond Sutra, hence the name Vajra Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda. On the western Lingshan Mountain of Longquan Temple stands the majestic Five-Direction Manjushri Hall, with a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof and an imposing presence. To worship at the Five-Direction Manjushri Hall, one must climb 324 steps, following the rule of three steps and one bow, totaling 108, a sacred number in Buddhism. Hence, it is known as "Taiyuan's Little Pilgrimage Terrace." Each step symbolizes leaving all worries behind. Manjushri Bodhisattva is the symbol of wisdom and compassion in Buddhism. His bodhimanda is at Wutai Mountain. Manjushri Bodhisattva has five different incarnations, each residing on a peak of Wutai Mountain, hence the name "Five-Direction Manjushri Bodhisattva." Since the five peaks of Wutai Mountain are far apart, making pilgrimage inconvenient, the Five-Direction Manjushri Hall was built on Dailuo Peak. Visiting Dailuo Peak is called "Little Pilgrimage." Now, Taiyuan also has a Five-Direction Manjushri Hall, so this place is also called Little Wutai Mountain. Chongshan Temple in Taiyuan is also called Little Wutai Mountain, as it houses the Five Lords Temple, the most popular temple in Wutai Mountain. At 11:00 a.m., I went to the Wuguan Hall and asked the master if the vegetarian meal was available to the public. The master said it was, but due to a Buddhist assembly and the large crowd, I should go to the Guanshan Vegetarian Restaurant across the street. This was my first time having a vegetarian meal at a temple. It was like a buffet. You pay 25 yuan per person at the entrance, then take a plate and serve yourself. Monks have priority. You can get more if needed. Talking while eating is discouraged, and wasting food is strictly prohibited. You must finish everything on your plate. After the meal, fruits and candies, which are offerings, are available. When you leave, you clear your own dishes. I can't say whether it's a good deal or not, but it's mainly about the experience. Not far from Longquan Temple, there's a church by the roadside. You can visit it as well.