Monastery Planning and Layout Diagram, Complete Temple Scheme Design

Courtyard Layout: Temples typically have a courtyard layout, facing south with the main entrance (the southern gate) aligned with a north-south central axis. Starting from the southern gate, halls are arranged at regular intervals from south to north, surrounded by corridors or pavilions. The main buildings along the central axis from south to north are the southern gate, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Hall of the Great Buddha, followed by the Dharma Hall or the Library of Sutras or the Hall of Vairocana, and the Guanyin Hall. The left and right side halls in front of the Hall of the Great Buddha are the Hall of Blue Lotus and the Ancestor Hall (or Guanyin Hall, Medicine Buddha Hall, etc.). The main living area of the temple, including monks' quarters, kitchen, dining hall, storeroom, and reception hall, is usually located to the east of the main axis. Guest rooms for接待 visitors from all directions are specifically located to the west of the central axis. Southern Gate: The main gate of a Buddhist temple is known as the "Mountain Gate." As many famous mountains are occupied by monks, temples are often situated in mountainous areas, hence the name. The mountain gate usually has three gates, symbolizing the "Three Doors of Liberation" - the Door of Emptiness, the Door of No Form, and the Door of No Action. The central gate is often built in a hall style, referred to as the Hall of the Mountain Gate or the Hall of the Three Gates. Inside, two statues of Mahakalas, like two guards, protect the temple. Hall of Heavenly Kings: After passing through the mountain gate and heading north, the next grand hall is the Hall of Heavenly Kings. On the sides in front of the Hall of Heavenly Kings are the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower. In the center of the Hall of Heavenly Kings, facing south, is the seated Maitreya Buddha with a large belly. On the east and west sides, there are statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. Behind Maitreya Buddha, in the niche, is the statue of the Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.