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Beijing is the capital of China. It is a magnificent
city. Sightseeing
in Beijing is a wonderful experience. There are
several attractive sites in this city. Temple of Heaven,
Beijing is one such attractive site. Temple of Heaven,
Beijing is a great place to visit.
Temple
of Heaven, Beijing is the most holy of all the Imperial
temples in the city. It is this temple where the emperor
came every winter solstice to worship heaven and to
solemnly pray for a good harvest. A bad harvest could
mean his fall. Therefore, the Emperor fervidly prayed
for a very good crop. This is because his rule was followed
out by heaven.
Worshiping Heaven was actually the emperor's worship
of his ancestors. This ornamentation was self-interested.
According to the Confucian pattern of social organization,
just as the Emperor respected his ancestors, it was
expected of the subjects to respect their ruler. This
custom eventually perpetuated the emperor's power.
The design of the Temple of Heaven, Beijing complex
reflects the mystical cosmological laws of the city.
In this temple, you will read complex numerological
transpositions within its design. For example, as the
number nine was considered to be the most powerful digit,
the slabs that form the Circular Altar have been laid
out in multiples of nine. Similarly, within the Hall
of Prayer, the interior twenty-eight columns are divided
into four central pillars to represent the seasons,
twelve inner columns to represent the months and twelve
outer columns to represent the two hour portions that
make up a day. Thus, intense numerology is observed
in the interiors of this temple.
During the Imperial times commoners were not allowed
to enter the Temple of Heaven, Beijing. Nowadays, it
is open for Chinese citizens as well as tourists throughout
the day. Many people practice martial arts in the temple
premises early in the morning. One group might be learning
the ancient martial art of sword-fighting while the
other might be practicing a traditional dance or karate.
Thus, the Temple of Heaven, Beijing is a must visit
for the tourists. During your Beijing
Tours do not miss viewing this beautiful temple.
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