Xiangshan Jingang Temple Introduction
Located in Dinglan, the Xiangshan Jingang Temple is named after the geographical shape resembling an elephant. It is primarily dedicated to Guanyin Bodhisattva. In China, the worship of Guanyin Bodhisattva began as early as the 1st century BC with the introduction of Buddhism and spread to Korea and Japan in the mid-7th century. Guanyin worship also reached Tibet in the 7th century, primarily in the form of the four-armed Guanyin, with the Dalai Lama considered its incarnation. Before the Song Dynasty, Guanyin was depicted in male form; the "Flower Adornment Sutra" describes Guanyin as a valiant man, while the "Sutra of the Lotus" refers to him as a good man. Later, in response to the prayers of many devotees, Guanyin transformed into a female form, using maternal love and compassion to save sentient beings. [Source: Jinsha Township Office]
