The Monastery of Divine Light is located about
18km (11 miles) north of central Chengdu in the town of Xindu. Parts
of this busy and popular temple date back to the 1st century. The
1,000 year old, 30 meter (98ft) tall Sheli Pagoda dominates the
temple complex. It is claimed that relics of the Buddha are stored
in the monastery. There are also a further 5 halls and 16 courtyards
to explore at this monastery.
One of the halls, Luohan Hall was built in the
19th century and contains 500 life size clay figures representing
disciples of Buddha displaying a startling array of expressions
from the saintly to the decidedly unsavory. The central statue in
Luohan Hall depicts the goddess of mercy, Guanyin.
