A Glimpse into Tibet’s Ancient Monastic Traditions
Ridang Temple’s Rich Heritage: Ridang Temple, also known as Jiacuo Ridang Temple, is a prominent Tibetan Buddhist site located in Ridang Township, Longzi County. At an altitude of around 4000 meters, it stands as a testament to the region’s deep spiritual history.
A Journey Through Time: Established during the Tubo period, the temple originally belonged to the Benjia sect. It witnessed significant religious transformations, shifting to the Kadam sect in the 11th century and later adopting the Gelug sect in the 15th century. At its zenith, the temple was home to over 100 monks, illustrating its importance in the Buddhist community.
The Temple’s Architectural Evolution
Main Structures and Layout: Ridang Temple spans approximately 8000 square meters, features a collection of sacred buildings. These include the main hall, Deji Lakang, Zhasha (monks’ residences), and a spiritual pagoda, each contributing to the temple’s spiritual aura.
Phases of Construction: The temple’s architecture can be divided into early and later phases. Early structures comprise the outer ring wall, measuring 120 meters in length and 70 meters in width, the original Dukang Hall, and the Riwu Gyaltsen Pagoda. The later phase saw the addition of the new Dukang Hall and Deji Lakang, among others.
The Significance of Ridang Temple
Cultural and Spiritual Hub: Ridang Temple has played a crucial role in the religious and cultural life of Tibetan Buddhism. Its transition across different Buddhist sects mirrors the dynamic history of Buddhism in Tibet.
Architectural Marvel: The temple’s construction phases reflect the evolution of Tibetan Buddhist architecture, making it a valuable site for historians and architecture enthusiasts.
Spiritual Retreat: For spiritual seekers and pilgrims, Ridang Temple offers a serene and contemplative environment, steeped in the rich traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
Ridang Temple stands as a beacon of Tibetan spiritual heritage, offering insights into the region’s religious history and architectural advancements. Whether one is drawn to its historical significance, architectural beauty, or spiritual ambience, Ridang Temple is a captivating destination in the heart of Tibet.
Ridang Temple: Architectural Evolution from Early to Late Phases
⑴ Early Architecture of Ridang Temple
Oval Temple Wall: The temple’s early architecture is defined by its unique oval-shaped wall, constructed from rammed earth. Standing 5 meters high and 1.3 meters thick, this wall includes a west gate approximately 6 meters wide. It predominantly encloses statues of Sakyamuni Buddha among others.
Dukang Hall – A Blend of Sacred Art and Architecture:
Located in the northwest corner within the ring wall, Dukang Hall consists of a porch and the main hall. The porch, with its four columns, covers an area of about 50 square meters. The main hall, extending eastward from the west, spans approximately 240 square meters. Inside, eight round uprights support the structure, adorned with “ten”-shaped standoffs featuring intricate carvings of dragons, phoenixes, lions, curly grass, twining branches, and lotuses. These carvings are not only artistically valuable but also symbolize various aspects of Buddhist teachings.
The walls of the hall are beautifully painted with murals of Sakyamuni Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and Dharma protectors. These murals are noted for their full shapes, elegant colours, and delicate smoothness, contributing significantly to the hall’s spiritual ambience.
Riwu Gyaltsen Pagoda – A Monumental Legacy:
Situated on the southwest side of the temple, the Riwu Gyaltsen Pagoda stands as a testament to the temple’s founder. With a square base and a circular body, the pagoda showcases architectural elements like the thirteenth-phase wheel, umbrella cover, and sun and moon orbs. The pagoda, which once housed the body of the living Buddha Kanzhe Riwu Gyaltsen, underwent restoration in 1989 to revert to its original form after damage during the Cultural Revolution.
⑵ Late Architecture of Ridang Temple
The New Dukang Hall: In the later architectural phase, the new Dukang Hall was constructed on the east side of the temple’s southern part. Facing east, with a 2.5-meter-wide doorway, the hall is preceded by a porch and stone steps. Covering about 420 square meters, this hall features murals of the Third Buddha and others, continuing the tradition of sacred art within the temple.
Deji Lakang – A Repository of Religious Artifacts: Located southeast of the early Dukang Hall, Deji Lakang faces east-west and is supported by 44 columns. This space is dedicated to housing religious instruments and artefacts, further enriching the temple’s spiritual heritage.
The architectural journey of Ridang Temple, from its early to late phases, reveals a fascinating evolution in design and spiritual expression. Each structure within the temple grounds, from the ancient walls and Dukang Hall to the Riwu Gyaltsen Pagoda and Deji Lakang, tells a story of Tibetan Buddhism’s rich legacy and its enduring influence on the region’s cultural and religious landscape.
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