Gate of Pushou Temple on the Wutai Mountai

Bell tower at Nanshan Temple on the Wutai Mountain 

Main Hall at the Xiantong

There are many different halls within one Buddhist temple. According to the different sects, there are an indefinite number of halls and attics, but there are seven kinds of buildings that are absolutely essential, called the “Seven Halls of Buddhist Temples”. The usage and acceptance of these seven halls depends on the different ages. For example:

Provisions for the Seven Halls of Buddhist Temples during the Tang Dynasty:

1. Stupa

2. Main Hall (also called the Golden Hall or Buddha Hall, including placement of Buddha deity);

3. Scripture Hall (for chanting sutras);

4. Bell and drum tower;

5. Sutras storage building (for keeping Buddhist scriptures);

6. Monks’ quarters (for housing the temple’s monks);

7. Temple dining hall (large dining hall).

Buddhist provisions for the Seven Halls of Buddhist Temples during the Song Dynasty:

1. Buddha Hall

2. Chanting Hall;

3. Meditation Hall (for monks’ meditation or daily use);

4. Storehouse (and library);

5. Temple gate (and three gates, which has three building doors, representing emptiness, no figure and no desires, which are the three liberating gates of Buddhism);

6. West clean (toilet);

7. Shower room.