Zhenru Temple Shanghai China

Zhenru Temple's origins are deeply intertwined with the ancient Indian tradition of Buddhism, which spread across Asia and profoundly influenced Chinese culture and architecture for millennia [10] . The concept of the stupa, a central element of early Buddhist architecture, originated in India as a reliquary for the Buddha's remains, and its form was transmitted to China, evolving into the distinctive Chinese pagoda [10]. The temple itself was first established during the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE) as "Wanshou Temple" in the Guanchang area, near modern-day Baoshan District's Dachang [7] [9]. It was subsequently renamed "Zhenru Yuan" by Monk Yong'an during the Jiading era (1208–1224 CE) of the Southern Song Dynasty, reflecting Buddhist philosophical concepts [7] [9]. A pivotal moment in the temple's history occurred in 1320 CE, during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368 CE), when Monk Miaoxin relocated the temple to its current site near Taopu and officially renamed it "Zhenru Temple" [7] . The Mahavira Hall, the temple's oldest surviving timber structure, was completed during this period, with a commemorative inscription on its ridge beam precisely dating its installation to the seventh year of Yanyou in the Yuan Dynasty [7] . While the core Mahavira Hall dates to 1320 CE, the temple complex saw significant patronage and potential reconstruction around 1350 CE under Zhang Shicheng, a prominent figure of the late Yuan Dynasty, contributing to the site's layered historical development [6]. Throughout the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE), Zhenru Temple underwent multiple reconstructions and renovations, notably during the Hongwu (1368–1398 CE) and Hongzhi (1488–1505 CE) eras, with monks Daoxin and Falei overseeing these efforts [7]. In 1669 CE, during the Qing Dynasty's Kangxi reign, the eminent Monk Benyuan from Huzhou presided over a grand ceremony, marking a significant period of spiritual activity [7]. The temple suffered severe damage during the Taiping Rebellion in 1860 CE, when British forces attacked the area [7] . By the late Qing Dynasty's Guangxu era (1895 CE), local merchant Yang and monks Nian'an and Nianlun initiated fundraising for renovation, expanding the temple from a single-eaved three-room structure to a five-room double-eaved design, while meticulously preserving the Yuan Dynasty architectural style [7]. Further devastation struck in 1937 CE during the "August 13" Battle of Shanghai, which severely damaged the Guanyin Hall, Kalan Hall, and Dizang Hall [7]. By 1949 CE, most structures were in ruins, with only the main hall and a well-preserved Tathagata statue remaining [7]. Archaeological findings during the dismantling of the front gate's remnants in 1950 CE documented original Yuan Dynasty structural components, including golden columns and brackets, which were confirmed by architectural expert Liu Dunzhen [7]. The municipal government allocated funds for statue repairs and protective measures for a bronze Amitabha statue that year [7]. Despite further damage during the commune period in 1958 CE and the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976 CE), which saw the destruction of precious artifacts like a Ming Dynasty gilded copper Maitreya statue and a Qing Dynasty carved wood Sakyamuni statue, restoration efforts commenced in 1978 CE and 1982 CE [7]. The Zhenru Temple Restoration Committee was established in August 1991 CE, overseeing two phases of restoration from 1992–1996 CE and 1997–2006 CE [7]. The temple officially reopened on February 4, 1992 CE, with Singaporean monk Lin Gaosheng donating jade Buddhas and scriptures, signifying the revival of its religious activities [7]. In 1996 CE, the temple was designated a Major National Historical and Cultural Site, ensuring its continued preservation within China's rich cultural continuum .