A young lady prays for good fortune. Photo: IC

 

Lighting incense is important for some visitors. Photo: IC

It's traditional for Buddhists to go to pray in temples on the first and 15th day of every lunar month, and past Sunday, on the first day of the last lunar month for the year, the ancient Longhua Temple in Xuhui district welcomed thousands of visitors who went there to pray for blessings and show their devotion.

The devout believe that between the first day and the 15th day of every lunar month, everything good they do will be multiplied by 100,000 - a 1-yuan (15 cents) donation in this period is worth 100,000 yuan in other times and reciting one Buddhist mantra will be the same as reciting 100,000 mantras.

Worshippers write messages. Photo: IC

Despite her age, this elderly woman kneels to show her devotion. Photo: IC

 

A visitor ties his red cloth wish. Photo: IC

 

Visitors at the Longhua Temple on Sunday lit incense, knelt on the ground or bowed their heads as they prayed for good fortune. Some wrote their wishes for the coming new year on strips of red cloth and attached them to special areas in the temple. It's a prelude to the grand Chinese New Year prayer ceremony which happens in the last days of the last lunar month and the beginning of the new year, when even more visitors are expected.

Incense is a traditional start to a temple visit. Photo: IC

 

Longhua temple's long history has establshed it as a great place to visit and pray. Photo: IC

Longhua Temple dates back 1,700 years or more and today it is the largest and oldest temple complex in the city. Its history and legendary background make it one of the most popular places for Buddhists to visit and pray.

Crowds will assemble here for the Chinese lunar new year and believers hope to be the first one ringing the temple bell and being blessed. In May and April traditional temple fairs will be held there when visitors can enjoy dragon and lion dances and delicious local snacks.

Other popular city temples that will celebrate Chinese New Year include City God Temple, Jing'an Temple, Jade Buddha Temple, and Confucius' Temple.

Global Times
Newspaper headline: Time for the temple!