Bell tower | |||||||
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The Bell tower at
Yunju Temple, in
Beijing. | |||||||
Traditional Chinese | 鐘樓 | ||||||
Simplified Chinese | 钟楼 | ||||||
Literal meaning | Bell tower | ||||||
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The Bell tower is an important building in Han Chinese Buddhist temples. [1] Together with Drum tower, they are usually placed on both sides of the Hall of Four Heavenly Kings. [1] It is usually on the left side while the Drum tower is usually on the right side. [1] It is general a three-storey pavilion with a large bell hung in it. [1] The loud and melodious sound of the bell is often used to convene monks. [1] In each morning and night, beating the bell 108 times symbolizes the relief of the 108 kinds of trouble in the human world. [2] [3] [4]
The Bell tower of Xiantong Temple was built in the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). [1] [5] A biggest copper bell is stored in the tower. [1] [5] It was cast between 1621 and 1627 during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). [1] [5] Weighing 4,999.75 kilograms (11,022.6 lb), it sounds deep and sonorous when beaten, which can pass away for 5-kilometre (3.1 mi) and last for several minutes. [1] [5]