Body Palace
Subtitle: The Sacred Heart of Jiuhua Mountain: A Pilgrim's Guide to the Hall of the Flesh Body (Roushen Baodian)
1. Introduction: The Spiritual Epicenter Nestled amidst the serene and mist-shrouded peaks of Jiuhua Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, lies its most revered sanctuary: the Hall of the Flesh Body (Roushen Baodian). This hall is not merely an architectural feat but the pulsating spiritual core of the entire mountain, a destination considered essential for every pilgrim and visitor. Its significance stems from housing the sacred remains—or the "flesh body" (roushen)—of Master Jin Qiaojue, revered as the incarnation of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Dizang Pusa), the Bodhisattva of the Great Vow to deliver all beings from suffering. The hall's history is a testament to enduring faith, having been initially constructed during the Zhenyuan era of the Tang Dynasty (785-805 AD). Despite facing destruction and subsequent reconstructions through the centuries, its sanctity has remained unbroken, drawing countless devotees to this ultimate place of homage.
2. Architectural Grandeur and Sacred Ambiance The present structure, a magnificent fusion of a pagoda within a hall, stands as a masterpiece of traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture.
2.1. The Unique Pagoda-Hall Structure The most striking feature is its design as a multi-storied wooden pagoda enshrined within a grand palace-style hall. The hall itself is crowned with durable iron tiles, and its four eaves curve elegantly upwards in classic palatial fashion, symbolizing a connection between the earthly and the divine.
2.2. The Inner Sanctum and Perpetual Light At the heart of the hall lies the sacred wooden pagoda. Each tier of this pagoda houses niches for Buddha statues, creating a vertical axis of devotion. Directly in front of this pagoda hangs an exquisite octagonal glazed lantern. This lamp, known as the "Changming Deng" or "Everlasting Light," burns continuously day and night, year after year. Its unwavering flame symbolizes the eternal presence and boundless compassion of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, casting a serene, golden glow over the sacred space and serving as a focal point for prayer and meditation.
3. Rituals, Layout, and Key Festivals The layout of the Hall of the Flesh Body facilitates profound ritual practices, especially during its most significant annual event.
3.1. Gateways and the Ritual Circumambulation The hall is accessible through two main gates. The southern gate serves as the principal entrance. The northern gate opens to a more expansive area featuring a distinctive crescent-moon-shaped terrace known as the Yaotai. This terrace is anchored by three large, ornate incense burners (tripods). Here, devotees engage in a crucial ritual: after offering incense and prayers, they perform clockwise circumambulation around the hall. This practice, known as "walking meditation" or ritual circling, is believed to accumulate merit, purify karma, and align the practitioner with the sacred energy of the site. The direction—clockwise—follows the auspicious path of the sun.
3.2. The Grandeur of the Dizang Dharma Assembly The spiritual zenith of the year at Jiuhua Mountain occurs on the 30th day of the seventh month in the lunar calendar, celebrated as the birthday of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. On this day, the Hall of the Flesh Body becomes the stage for the immense "Dizang Dharma Assembly" (Dizang Fahui). Monks from all over Jiuhua Mountain gather within and around the hall to conduct grand ceremonies. The air resonates with the solemn chanting of the "Sutra of the Great Vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva" (Dizang Pusa Benyuan Jing). A central act of devotion is the vigil kept by monks and lay followers who "guard the flesh-body pagoda" throughout the night, expressing reverence and reaffirming the Bodhisattva's vow to relieve suffering. This festival transforms the area into a vibrant, deeply moving spectacle of faith, attracting thousands of pilgrims.
4. Practical Visitor Information
4.1. Admission and Opening Hours Access to the Hall of the Flesh Body is included within the general admission ticket to the Jiuhua Mountain Scenic Area. There is no separate entrance fee for the hall itself. The hall is open to visitors daily from 06:30 to 17:00 throughout the year.
4.2. Recommended Visit Duration To fully appreciate the hall's architecture, absorb its spiritual atmosphere, observe rituals, and explore the immediate surroundings at a contemplative pace, a visit of 1 to 3 hours is recommended.
4.3. Contact Information For specific inquiries, visitors can contact the site management at: 0566-2831288.
5. Transportation Guide to Jiuhua Mountain As the Hall of the Flesh Body is located within the Jiuhua Mountain景区 (Jingqu), reaching the mountain is the first step.
5.1. Arrival by Train or Long-Distance Bus * From Chizhou Railway Station: The most common gateway. Outside the station, at the Chizhou Central Bus Station, take either the Chi-Jiu Line direct to Jiuhua Mountain (Kecun) Bus Terminal (~50 mins), or the Chi-Qing Line, alighting at Wuxi (~1 hour, ~6 RMB) and transferring to a Kecun-bound bus. * Taxi Alternative: A direct taxi from Chizhou Station to Jiuhua Mountain costs approximately 100 RMB and takes about an hour. * Jiuhua Mountain (Kecun) Bus Terminal: This terminal is a major hub, connecting to numerous cities including Hefei, Nanjing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Wuhan. It is also where the scenic area entrance tickets are purchased.
5.2. Navigating the Scenic Area Internal Transport Jiuhua Mountain operates a mandatory internal shuttle bus system to manage traffic and preserve the environment. * Internal Traffic Control: Critical for drivers: Private vehicles are generally NOT permitted to drive up the mountain from Friday noon to Sunday afternoon. They must park in the new district parking lot at the base (Kecun) and visitors must take the scenic buses. Parking fees apply (~25-40 RMB). * Scenic Area Buses: These buses connect Kecun Transfer Center to Jiu Hua Street (the main village on the mountain) and key scenic spots like Phoenix Pine (for Tiantai Cable Car). Tickets are purchased at Kecun and are checked per route segment. Important Note: Routes are not arbitrary round-trips. For example, a bus from the Huatai scenic area goes only down to Kecun. To re-enter, you must purchase a new bus ticket and, if your scenic area ticket is for a single entry, may need to complete a "re-entry" procedure at the ticket office. * Local Transport on Jiu Hua Street: For short distances within the Jiu Hua Street area, electric or human-powered pedicabs (sanlunche) are available, typically charging 3-5 RMB per person.