Shangfeng Temple (上封寺), located at the foot of the highest peak in Hunan Province, Mount Zhurong, is one of the oldest temples in the Mount Heng region. Nestled on a high platform approximately ten kilometers from the Nanyue Temple, it holds significant historical and cultural importance. Originally named Guangtian Guan before the Sui Dynasty, the temple was revered in Daoism as the twenty-second blessed land. During the Daxing era of Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty, the temple was transformed from a guan (Daoist temple) into a si (Buddhist temple) and was renamed Shangfeng Temple, a name that has endured through the ages.
Throughout its history, Shangfeng Temple has undergone several expansions and renovations. In the late Tang Dynasty, the famous poet-monk Qi Yi resided there, contributing to its renown. By the end of the Northern Song Dynasty, prominent monks such as Fuxin and Shanguo took charge of the temple, leading to an increase in its scale and popularity among worshippers. This influx of devotion saw the temple flourish, becoming a vital center for religious activities.
During the Ming Dynasty, around the mid-16th century, the temple experienced significant developments due to advancements in iron smelting. This progress enabled the establishment of foundries that enhanced both the scale and craftsmanship of iron production. As a result, many devotees donated iron tiles for the temple’s roof, transforming Shangfeng Temple and the adjacent Zhurong Hall into formidable structures with iron-tiled roofs and stone walls. These renovations imparted a sense of indestructibility to the temple.
In the Jiajing era (1522-1566) of the Ming Dynasty, the Hall of Heavenly Kings was constructed at Shangfeng Temple, supported by generous donations from a faithful follower named Luo Qian, who contributed over twenty thousand taels of silver for its renovation. This hall became notable for housing four iron statues of the Heavenly Kings, positioned prominently on the temple’s walls. These magnificent statues, characterized by their grandeur and vivid craftsmanship, added to the temple’s splendor. Unfortunately, these iconic figures were destroyed in a devastating fire at the end of 1949.
During the Tongzhi era (1862-1874) of the Qing Dynasty, a prominent figure from Xiangxiang, Zeng Guofan, who held the title of Grand Guardian to the Crown Prince, donated over twenty thousand taels of silver for the temple’s restoration. His contribution led to significant renovations, and a stone tablet commemorating his philanthropy was erected at the temple.
However, the temple’s fortunes declined during the Republic of China period, particularly due to harsh mountain weather and heavy snowfall. Following the failure of the revolution in 1927, the temple faced further hardship when its abbot, Su Chan, was murdered by local Nationalist authorities, leading to the dispersal of its monks and neglect of the temple grounds. Many of its assets were seized by local warlords, leaving the once-thriving temple desolate and forlorn.
In the 21st year of the Republic of China, Hunan’s provincial governor, He Jian, appointed the eminent monk Baosheng as the abbot of Shangfeng Temple, marking a new chapter in the temple’s history. Under his guidance, efforts were made to restore the temple to its former glory, allowing it to regain its place as a significant site for Buddhist worship and cultural heritage. Today, Shangfeng Temple stands as a testament to the rich historical tapestry and spiritual legacy of the region.
