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Jiangning Strict, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province
Place of long-term enshrinement the Usnisa(sarira of Shakyamuni, provides beautiful scenery in spring, rich is Buddhist culture and historical sites
Niushou Mountain is located in Jiangning Strict, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. The twin peaks of the Niushou Mountain look like the ox horns, hence the name. The picturesque scenery in Niushou Mountain in spring is famous in Nanjing. And it becomes more popular because of the preservation of the only existing sarira of Shakyamuni in the world. As a halidom of Buddhism, the sarira of Shakyamuni is priceless treasure. And its status in the Buddhism is highest. There are temples, palace, towers and stone statues carved on cliffs in the Niushou Mountain, making it a good place to experience the Buddhist culture and history of Nanjing.
Hongjue Temple was built on the Niushou Mountain. Niushou Mountain has been a famous Buddhist mountain since Tang Dynasty. In 744, the Tower was added in the Hongjue Temple. In 1433, famous navigator, Zheng He was buried in the Niushou Mountain.
In 2008, the sarira of Shakyamuni was excavated in the site of Porcelain Tower of Nanjing. In 2010, the sarira of Shakyamuni was showed in Qixia Temple. In 2010, the sarira of Shakyamuni was decided to be preserved in the Niushou Mountain. In 2011, the plan of the place and way of preserving the sarira of Shakyamuni was confirmed. In 2015, the ceremony of making offering to the sarira of Shakyamuni was held on the Niushou Mountain.
Sariras refer to the left bones and pearl-shaped stuff from cremation after nirvana of Shakyanumi Buddha and other Buddhism masters. In 2010, the Usnisa, sarira of Shakyamuni, was found in the silver and golden coffins in the King Asoka Pagoda in Qixia Temple, which astonished the world. And the King Asoka Pagoda was found in the underground palace in Nanjing Giant Bao’en Temple ruins in 2008.
Nanjing Giant Bao’en Temple is the place that the Usnisa was found. The Qixia Temple is the place that the Usnisa was reappeared to the world. And the Niushou Mountain is the place that enshrines the Usnisa for a long time.
The Usnisa Palace is the place to preserve the sarira of Shakyamuni and be prayed by the Buddhist believers. The large dome is like the kasaya(Buddha’s robe). And the appearance of the small dome is like the durian, to be more specific, like the chignon of the Buddha. The large dome protects the small some, and the small dome protects the sarira of Shakyamuni.
The Great Usnisa Hall tells the story of the Buddha with the beautiful design of lights. The Great Stupa of Usnisa in the heart of the Thousand-Buddha Hall enshrines the Usnisa. The Ten Thousand-Buddha Corridor displays the Chinese Buddhist culture, Indian Buddhist culture and sarira culture.
With the construction style of Tang Dynasty, the Usnisa Pagoda is 88 meters high with 9 floor and 4 sides. Standing on the top of the Usnisa Pagoda, you can have a panoramic view of the Niushou Mountain.
Usnisa Temple was built in 2012 and finished in 2015. It is named by the name of the sarira of Shakyamuni. There are 7 halls in the Usnisa Temple. The Tianwang Hall enshrines the statue Maitreya, the Laughing Buddha. There are Bell Tower and Drum Tower on the both sides of the Tianwang Hall. There are also Qielan Hall, Zushi Hall, Hall of Sakyamuni and Avalokitesvara Hall.
The beautiful scenery of Niushou Mountain in spring is widely known in Nanjing. The cherry blossoms in Niushou Mountain in spring is very famous in Nanjing. Except for the sarira of Shakyamuni, the cherry blossoms on the Niushou Mountain are very impressive.
The cherry blossoms on the both sides of the road to the Hongjue Temple of the Niutou Chan Culture Park are romantic and beautiful. If you come to Nanjing in spring, you should not miss the cherry blossoms on the Niushou Mountain. The cherry blossoms and the ancient temple compose of a wonderful picture. It is recommended to visit the cherry blossoms on the Niushou Mountain on a sunny day, which will provide you sea of cherry blossoms of white, pink and red.
Niushou Mountain is a famous historical cultural attraction not only because of the preservation of the sarira of Shakyamuni, but also the grave yard of Zheng He, a famous navigator of Ming Dynasty. Here you can learn about the history and achievements of this great navigator and national hero. Zheng He had made his voyages to the West Ocean for 7 times. He opened up the marine Silk Road, enhanced the friendship among countries and promoted exchange of cultural communications between countries. You can experience and feel the burial custom of Hui minority by visiting the Tomb of Zheng He.
Not only the cherry blossoms on Niushou Mountain are famous, but also the peach blossoms on the both sides of the Peach Stream are impressive. In spring, all of the peach are in full blossoms on the both sides of the Peach Stream, which are romantic and beautiful. The sea of peach blossoms are really charming. There are 26 species of peach on the Peach Stream.
Going for a walk alongside the Peach Stream will be comfortable and relaxing in spring. It will be a joyful thing to walk on the wooden boardwalk of Peach Stream, experience the breeze blowing and listen to the sound of the spring.
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