CNCN Travel Web - Handy Encyclopedia of Tourism

CNCN Travel > Macao Travel > puji-buddhist-temple

Puji Buddhist Temple

http://travel.cncn.com  
Puji Buddist Temple

Puji Buddhist Temple is one of the three renowned temples in Macao. The other two are Lian Fong Temple and Barra Temple. Also known as Puji BuddhistHall, it is the largest among the three. Built at the end of the Ming Dynasty, it has a history of around four hundred years.

Puji Buddhist Temple was built in a three-courtyard architecture style. The first hall isDaxiong Grand Hall. There are statues of Sakyamuni Buddha, Randeng Buddha, and Maitreya in the hall, and a huge bell made in the fifth ruling year of the Ming Dynasty at the gate of the hall. The second hall is Longevity Hall with a statue of Longevity Buddha inside. The third and main hall is Bodhisattva Hall. There are statues of Bodhisattva and the Eighteen Disciples of Buddha. The one on the left side looks like the figure of Marco Polo, a famous Italian explorer. Every year during the celebration of the birthday of Bodhisattva, many people come here to burn incense and pray.

There is another courtyard beside Bodhisattva Hall with potted plants arranged in the shape of the Chinese character "ΚΩ" (meaning longevity).

On the east and west sides of the main hall stands Tianhou Hall, Yuqing Hall, Longhua Hall, Jingle Hall, Zushi Hall, Guyandi Hall, guest hall, Tanyue Hall, Baotang Hall, Mediation Hall, Abbot’s Room, and Depository of Buddhist Scriptures.

The best times to visit Puji Buddhist Temple are during religious festivals: Bodhisattva’s Mercy Day on the 26th of the first Chinese lunar month, Bodhisattva’s birthday on the 19th of the second Chinese lunar month, Releasing Souls from Sufferings Day on the 19th of the sixth lunar month, and Sitting on the Lotus Flower Hassock Day on the 19th of the ninth lunar month. There are many religious activities during these times. Bodhisattva’s Mercy Day is the most popular festival in the temple throughout the year