The Temple of the First Sage

The Temple of the First Sage The "First Sage" is a primary title for Confucius (Kong Fuzi), the philosopher whose teachings formed the bedrock of Chinese social and political life. is located two li A traditional unit of distance; two li is approximately one kilometer. west of Xianyuan Township in Yanzhou. To the west, it borders the site of the ancient city of Lu, sitting just over two hundred paces from the Master's old residence.

Directly facing the outer gate are the Front Three Gates this gate holds the plaque personally inscribed by Emperor Renzong Emperor Renzong (r. 1022–1063) was a Song Dynasty monarch known for his devotion to Confucian scholarship.. Behind the Three Gates is the Library Tower where imperially bestowed books are stored. Behind the Library Tower, along the Imperial Path, stand two pavilions to the east and west. To the east is the Stele Pavilion for the Restoration of the Temple by the current dynasty. To the west is the Stele Pavilion for the Tang Dynasty’s Enfeoffment of Confucius as the Grand Preceptor original: Taishi. This refers to the high honorary rank granted to Confucius by the Tang emperors centuries after his death..

Next, within the gates of the palace courtyard, is the Hall of Imperial Eulogy. Beyond this lies the Apricot Altar original: Xingtan. Tradition holds that this is the spot where Confucius taught his students under the shade of apricot trees.. Behind the Apricot Altar is the Main Hall of the First Sage the plaque for this hall was personally inscribed by Emperor Renzong; the transcription reads "Libo Hall," likely an error for "Proclaiming the Sage Hall".

Directly behind the Main Hall is the Hall of the Lady of the State of Yun This shrine is dedicated to Confucius’s wife, Lady Qiguan.. In the eastern wing of this rear palace is the Hall of the Marquis of Sishui, and in the western wing is the Hall of the Marquis of Yishui These titles were posthumously granted to Confucius’s son, Kong Li, and his grandson, Kong Ji (Zisi)..

Outside the west gate of the Ancestral Hall wings is the Hall of the Duke of the State of Qi This hall is dedicated to Confucius’s father, Shuliang He.. Directly behind it is the Hall of the Grand Lady of the State of Lu Dedicated to Confucius’s mother, Yan Zhengzai.. From the Grand Lady’s hall, proceeding north through the eastern wing, one finds the Hall of the Five Sages.

Outside the Chen Gate of the Ancestral Hall wings is the Abstinence Hall original: Qi Ting. This was a place for ritual purification where participants would fast and meditate before ceremonies.. Outside the eastern wing gate of the Abstinence Hall are the Guest Quarters, which face the hall directly.