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Tiantan - Temple of Heaven Park II
- Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests -
Approaching the Tiantan , known as The Temple of Heaven in Western terms.
The Song of the Four Seasons, by
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Tiantan Park and Area Map
Tiantan Park and Area Map
ChinaReport.comat
The original Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests was rectangular in shape. Constructed in 1420 AD, the 18Th Year of the Reign of the Yongle Emperor, it was named the Great Hall for Sacrificial Rituals and was used to worship both Heaven and Earth.
The Original rectangular Hall was rebuilt in the Year 1545 AD, The Fourth Year of the JiaJing Reign of the Ming Dynasty, into it's current shape, a circular Hall with a Triple-Eaved Roof. The 3 Layers of the Roof, each covered with their own glazed tiles are blue, yellow and green respectively, symbolizing Heaven, Earth and below the Mortal World. The new Hall at the Time was named the Great Hall for Offering Sacrifices.
The JiaJing Reign Great Hall for Offering Sacrifices was again reconstructed in 1751 AD, The 16Th Year of the Reign of the Qianlong Emperor of the Ching Dynasty. At that Time the Three Color Scheme of the Triple Eaved Roof was replaced by an all Blue Glazed Tiled Scheme,culminating at the Top into a Guilded Sphere. The Hall was then renamed the Hall of Prayer for Good harvests and would henceforth only be used for the Prayers for Good Harvests taking place in the earliest days of Spring (in Januari).
The current Hall of Prayer for Good harvests measures 38.2 metres in height and 24.2 metres in diameter. It is supported by four massive Namu Wooden Pillars, symbolizing the Four Seasons. On the Inside circle of the four Main Pillars are 12 more pillars signifying the Months of the Year, the hours of night and day and the contellations of the Stars.
The Hall of Prayers for Good Harvests is the only remaining example of the classic architectural style known as Da Ming Dang.
