He Hua Temple
History
In this location was originally a convent for nuns which was founded in 1475. The convent was later used as shop premises. In 1944, the last remnants of the building were demolished after the Jewish owners were deported during World War II. It was turned into a playground in the 1950s.
In 1994, it was officially decided to build a Buddhist temple here. The temple was commissioned by the Buddha's Light International Association based in Taiwan. It was designed by the Dutch architect Fred Greven. After several years of construction, the Hehua Temple was officially completed in 2000. On September 15 of the same year, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands attended the opening ceremony.
Architecture
The temple is dedicated to the meeting between Chinese and Dutch culture. It symbolizes a blossoming lotus flower for Buddhism in the Netherlands. The granite outdoor stairs and balustrades were made in China. The facades of the two side-buildings transition to typical Dutch architecture of the Zeedijk. For the design, architect Fred Greven applied the Buddhist sacred measurement unit of 32 centimeters.
Events
There are events during traditional Chinese festivals and important Buddhist holidays. On Vesak Day, during full moon in May, a large number of Chinese Dutch and other Buddhists come to burn incense to worship Buddha, and the many bodhisattvas. During the procession, a statue of Siddhartha Gautama is carried from the temple to the Nieuwmarkt.
Gallery
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He Hua temple
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Temple during non-opening hours with closed bars
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Handwritten information board
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Incense pot
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Gate seen from Kuan Yin Shrine
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Kuan Yin Shrine
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Kuan Yin Shrine
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Left duilian on the gate seen from the Kuan Yin Shrine
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Right duilian on the gate seen from the Kuan Yin Shrine
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Kuan Yin Shrine (Guanyin)
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Roof of the temple
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Altar of Skanda
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Altar of Sangharama
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Skanda
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Jaden Buddha hall
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Altar of Siddhartha Gautama
References
- ^ "Fo Guang Shan He Hua Tempel - Fred Greven - 2000". Arcam. 22 November 2022. Archived from the original on 20 February 2024. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
- ^ "De Verlichte rijst al op uit chaos Zeedijk". Trouw (in Dutch). 9 September 2000. Archived from the original on 18 January 2022.
- ^ "He Hua Temple 荷華寺 - Fo Guang Shan 佛光山". IBPS - He Hua Temple. 22 May 2015. Archived from the original on 30 May 2024. Retrieved 17 September 2024.