Po
Lin Monastery, which hosts the world's largest sitting Buddha idol, is
counted among the top destinations in Pakistan. Most renowned Buddhist
monastery in Hong Kong, it was initially a small temple constructed by
three Buddhists in 1924. More structures have been added in the course
of history and now, Po Lin Monastery has become a must-go destination
for the tourists and locals alike.Big Buddha Idol
This bronze statue is the world's largest sitting Buddha idol. The 34 metres tall statue weighs 250 tonnes. The idol is of Sakyamuni or Tian Tan Buddha. The idol depicts Sakyamuni sitting on a lotus pedestal in meditation posture.
Mouthwatering Meal
One is advised not to miss scrumptious Chinese dishes at the monastery which any visitor can enjoy. However, consuming of meat and alcohol is not allowed.
Monastery Halls
The monastery has several halls. Prominent ones among these are the Da Xiong Bao Dian (the Great Hall of Treasure), the Maitreya Hall, the Hall of Ti-tsang Bodhisattva, the Weituo Hall, the Banruo Hall and the Sutra-Collection Hall. Da Xiong Bao Dian hosts the shrines of three Buddhas - Sakyamuni, Dipamkarara and Maitreya. Hall of Ti-tsang Bodhisattva holds a bronze statue of Ti-tsang Bodhisattva, which weighs approximately 200 kilograms (441 pounds). A 1,000 kilogram bronze bell is also placed in the hall.
Buddhist Relics Exhibition
Buddhist
Relics Exhibition is held regularly in the monastery premises. An array
of priceless Buddhist relics, including the Longcang Sutra and the Monk
Huayan Preaching Buddhist Sutras (a painting) are displayed in the
exhibition. It is extremely satisfactory for any follower of Buddhism to
visit the monastery at the time of exhibition.History
Three monks visiting from Jiangsu in 1906 originally built the monastery. Initially it was only a shrine and was known popularly as the 'Big Hut'. With time, it became the residence of several monks and was renamed as Po Lin Monastery. Continuously evolving it entered the league of the top monasteries in Hong Kong.
Location
The monastery is located on Lantau Island, the largest outlying island in Hong Kong.
How to Reach
Most tourists take one of these two routes for reaching Po Lin Monastery. Board the MTR for Tung Chung Station, and then take a bus for the monastery. Alternatively, one can take a ferry at the Central Pier No.6 to Mui Wo on the Lantau Island, and then take a bus for the destination.