Overview of Jiayu Temple
Location and Historical Significance: Jiayu Temple, also known as vgya-yul-dgon, is located in Qiangqin Village, Jiayu Township, Longzi County, at an altitude of 3350 meters. Founded between the 15th and 16th centuries by eminent monks of the Kagyu sect, it was established by Jiayu Waqinpo Xunnuwo (1075—1138), originally named “Qiangqin Baigar Temple” and also known as “Jia Domain Temple.” As one of the “six major Zhupa Kagyu sect temples” in Nirvana, this temple has been a significant religious site, housing up to 75 monks at its peak.
Architectural Layout of Jiayu Temple
Dukang Hall: The Core Structure
- Orientation: The Dukang Hall, serving as the main building, faces north and south.
- Ground Floor Composition: Includes a porch, sutra hall, Buddhist hall, and Gongkang Hall (mgon-khang).
- Porch Area: Spans approximately 60 square meters (7.4 meters wide and 8.2 meters deep), flanked by corridor houses on both sides.
Sutra Hall: A Place of Learning and Worship
- Location and Size: Situated after the porch with a south-facing door, the sutra hall is 19 meters wide and features a depth of 4 rooms and 3 columns.
- Design: The hall is designed with a grid of columns, culminating in a bright, ventilated patio area, emphasizing the temple’s architectural focus on light and space.
Buddhist Hall: A Sanctuary of Devotion
- Dimensions: The hall covers an area of about 50 square meters (8.6 meters wide and 5.4 meters deep).
- Buddhist Altar: Dominated by a 10-meter-high bronze statue of Jamba Buddha in a lotus position on a lotus throne.
- Altar Decorations: The base of the altar is adorned with intricate patterns, including a lion holding a wheel and a phoenix with a diamond wheel.
- Adjacent Statues: Flanking the main statue are bronze figures of Amitayus Buddha and Burning Lamp Buddha.
Conclusion
Jiayu Temple, with its rich Kagyu heritage and intricate architectural design, stands as a pillar of Tibetan Buddhist history and culture. Its main structures, from the grand Dukang Hall to the serene Buddhist Hall, not only serve as places of worship and study but also as a testament to the artistic and spiritual legacy of the Kagyu sect in Tibet. The temple’s continued presence offers insight into the profound religious practices and architectural innovations of ancient Nirvana.
Highlights of Jiayu Temple’s Murals
① Sutra Hall Murals: A Canvas of Buddhist Iconography
South Wall:
- Eastern Section: Features four-armed gods, protectors of wisdom, and the god of wealth, Zambala (dzam-bha-la), encircled by small statues of eminent monks from the Kagyu Sect.
East Wall:
- North to South Paintings: Encompasses depictions of Sakyamuni and his transformed Buddhas (small thousand Buddhas), the Eight Medicine Master Tathagata Buddhas, and White Tara.
- Other Figures: Includes Vajradhara (rdor-vdzin) and the Four Heavenly Kings. The western section of this wall showcases Vajrapani Mahasthamaprapta, Chakrasamvara, White Tara, and other significant deities.
North Wall:
- Eastern Section: Dominated by the main statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, accompanied by sixteen Arhats.
- Western Section: Highlights the main statue of Dorje Qiang, another revered figure in the Buddhist pantheon.
② Gongkang Murals: A Display of Dharma Protectors
Location and Size:
- The Gongkang (mgon-khang, Dharma Protector Temple) is positioned in the northwest corner of the Sutra Hall, occupying approximately 15 square meters.
Artistic Style and Content:
- Murals: All four walls of the Gongkang are adorned with murals, characterized by a black base with yellow lines outlining the figures. Red and white hues are used to enhance the facial features of the statues.
- Depicted Figures: Include the King of the East, the Bird-Headed Goddess, the Heavenly Mother Riding a Mule, the Six-Armed Goddess, Bianru Tian, the Shatu Couple, and Chang Xing. These figures are portrayed with a sense of ferocity and vigour, befitting their roles as protectors in the Buddhist tradition.
Conclusion
The murals in Jiayu Temple’s Sutra Hall and Gongkang are not just artistic achievements but also significant representations of Buddhist teachings and iconography. They vividly portray a range of deities and figures, from peaceful Buddhas to fierce protectors, reflecting the diverse aspects of Buddhist spirituality. These artworks serve as a visual narrative of the temple’s religious heritage and the Kagyu Sect’s rich tradition in Tibetan Buddhism.
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