Xuan Zang s Head Bone Sarira Pagoda Displayed in Linggu Temple

Consecration Ceremony for Xuan Zang s Head Bone Sarira Pagoda, designed and fabricated by Wang Dianxiang, China s industrial arts master and state non-material cultural heritage inheritor, was held in Linggu Temple of Nanjing. This pagoda was made of Chinese cedar, covered with gold foil. Totally 1983 pieces of gold plated cooper carved flower shape accessories were used and seamlessly joined by 9000 rivets.

In 1978, Wang Dianxiang designed a gold plated cooper pagoda for Linggu Temple for consecrating Xuan Zang s Head Bone Sarira. After 30 years, he made another treasure with half a year. The pagoda is 138cm tall, and 68cm in length and width. Upper part of the pagoda is a hexagonal pavilion symbolizing Liu He (heaven, earth, north, east, south and west) .

Hexagonal bells hang from the four corners of the roof made of colored glaze tiles. There are 6 gates on the lower part. On the roof, there is a bright pearl. The pavilion is supported by 6 golden pillars wrapped by lotus-shape cloud patterns, which is magnificent. In the middle of the pagoda, there is a square space, where Xuan Zang s Head Bone Sarira is consecrated.