The Temple Of Heaven In Beijing: A Short Ride From Your Hotel
Since 1420, when the Ming emperor Yongle moved Chinas capital to Beijing, the city has been a hub for Chinas most important religious observances. Of all the altars erected to worship the mighty forces in nature, the Temple of Heaven in Beijing lies at the heart of it all.
Running an empire that held the worlds largest population, the Chinese emperors couldn’t just rely on intimidation and an effective government. They had to rule by legitimacy from Heaven.
As you enter this tremendous temple, a mysterious world once closed off from the average person is now ready to show all its mystery.
The Hall of Abstinence is on the west side. The emperor used this area to prepare himself for the prayers to Heaven. He would keep himself away from alcohol, meat, garlic, onions, and sexual relations. The hall was kept simple, for a luxury-loving emperor wouldn’t be favored by Heaven.
The Animal Slaughtering Hall and the Divine Kitchen stand on the other side of the temple. Animals such as cattle, sheep, and pigs were slaughtered, and it took scores of workers several days to finish the work. As the emperor fasted in the Hall of Abstinence, the kitchen prepared all kinds of delicious offerings such as biscuits, sugarcane, bread, and dried fruits.
In the hall of Divine Music Administration, imperial orchestras would practice their compositions all day and night. When the ceremonies began, no mistake was tolerated.
The number of antique instruments displayed in the hall is a big hit. And be sure to enjoy the mock performances, which are staged every two hours.
By far the most important structure, the Circular Altar-built to honor Heaven-rises up in the center of the Temple of Heaven. Constructed with a radial pattern, every visitor wished to stand on the elevated stone in the center. For this was believed to be the center of the universe.
During the worshiping ceremonies held on the winter solstice, the emperor would bow down to receive his mandate from Heaven to rule China. A Chinese philosopher once wrote: if the ruler does things right, then the creative energy of the universe will be harmonious, the wind and rain will be on time, auspicious stars will show up, and then, the yellow dragon will descend from Heaven.
The prayers here brought the emperor the mandate from Heaven, and now he can run his empire.