DAOIST TEMPLE OF MYSTERY

XUANMIAO GUAN

This Chinese  temple, rebuilt many times, was founded during the Jin dynasty. The Hall of the Three Pure Worshipers, the largest ancient Daoist hall in China, dates to the Song dynasty. Many Chinese here in Suzhou seem to worship at this temple. The inside of the building is quite spectacular. On entering the temple you immediately see the imposing Three Pure Worshipers statues. More large, gold statues appear around the Temple. Worshipers place red ribbons, yellow flags, or candles in front of statues and offer prayers. The Drum, the Bell and the Bull feature. Outside worshipers are encourage to place lighted red candles in the ornately roofed pavilions.

Crowds gather at the DAOIST Temple of Mystery 

A wall surrounds the entry to the Temple. 

Steps up to the Temple entrance. 

An imposing iron statue in front of the Temple door. 

The centre gold statue of the Three Pure Worshipers. 

The Second of the Three Pure Worshipers. 

The Third of the Three Pure Worshipers.

The Hall of the Three Pure Worshipers. 

The statue of a Bull in the Temple. 

Two Cranes guard the steps leading from the Statues. 

A row of gold statues awaiting worshipers. 

A fierce looking gold statue. 

One of the gold warrior gods. 

Some gold statues seem to exude serenity. 

The large Drum in the Temple.

The large Bell in the Temple.

The burning candles outside the pavilion. 

The molten wax falling from lighted candles. 

A little toddler finds dead candle fire lighters.