The Temple of Heaven, Spring 2006

 


Here is the Gateway to the Temple of Heaven. It used to be called the Temple of Heaven and Earth until a separate temple was built for Earth.
Normally the marble path is reserved for the emperor. In this case the marble path was for the god of Heaven.
The emperor had to offer a sacrifice at the Temple of Heaven once a year. He also had to offer sacrifices at the other temples at specific times of the year to ensure good crops and good fortune for the people. The emperor would climb these stairs and would kneel on the second platform from the top. The top was reserved for the god of Heaven. The emperor also wore blue robes for the occasion instead of the traditional yellow.
This is a view of the gateway from on top of the stairs.

Here is a picture of me and my Aunt Alice standing on the "Heavenly Heart Stone." This was the central stone in the center of the top circular platform. It seemed a little strange to me to see so many tourists standing upon this stone since the emperor himself would not dare touch this ancient holy site.
A view of the opposite gate. The Temple of Heaven had no roof because in order to commune with heaven it made sense not to put any boundries between the emperor and the sky.
This building was a place for the emperor to bathe and fast for 3 days and nights before a sacrifice. He was also to abstain from his wives during this time.
A closer view of the building.

Another building near the Temple of Heaven.
A marble walkway featuring dragon carvings.
A few decorated roof beams.
A 500 year old tree grows on the outskirts of The Temple of Heaven.

The walkway leading away from The Temple of Heaven was actually a "bridge." Underneath the walkway was a tunnel used to lead animals to The Temple of Heaven to be sacrificed.
Because this gate was where the animals were lead to be slaughtered it is often referred to as the Gate of Hell.
Another set of roof beams within the Temple of Heaven complex. Many elderly people gather here to sit and play games, practice musical instruments and talk. They are allowed to purchase a special discount ticket at a very cheap price so that they can sit here with friends among the beautiful scenery every day if they wish.
Outside of the Temple of Heaven we visited a Tea House. We were treated to a tea ceremony and were able to sample many different teas including oolong- which is good for memory, jasmine- which is good for general health, white tea- which was good for the eyes, constipation, skin and throat, chrysanthemum tea which children often enjoy with rock sugar, green tea and lychee tea with rose buds. This was our hostess for the tea ceremony.