In the heart of Beijing's Xicheng District stands a marvel of history and spirituality: the Bai Ta Si, or White Dagoba Temple. This monumental Tibetan Buddhist monastery, also known as Miaoying Temple, was commissioned by the powerful Kublai Khan in 1271. The temple not only symbolizes his spiritual devotion but also the extraordinary skills of Arniko, a young Nepali architect whose legacy transcends time and borders.

The Rise of Kublai Khan

Kublai Khan, grandson of the legendary Genghis Khan who established the Mongol empire, rose to prominence by establishing the Yuan Dynasty. He transformed Beijing (then Da Du) into his imperial capital and embraced Tibetan Buddhism, influenced by his wise and tolerant mother, Sorghaghtani Beki. Under her guidance, Kublai became a beacon of multiculturalism, intertwining various religious and cultural threads into the fabric of his empire. Initially he was interested in Chan (Zen) Buddhism but later became interested in Tibetan buddhism and was taken under the wing of the leader of the Sakya sect, Phags-Pa (inventor of the Phags-Pa script). Amidst this vibrant cultural tapestry, a 17-year-old Nepali artistic and architectural prodigy named Arniko arrived in China. Invited by Phags-pa, Kublai’s spiritual guru, Arniko astounded the court with his artistic prowess. His masterpiece, the White Dagoba, was to be the tallest structure in Beijing, serving as Kublai’s personal sanctuary and a symbol of his spiritual might.

Mahakala: The Wrathful Protector

At the heart of this grand temple lies a deity of immense power: Mahakala. Known as a Dharmapala or protector of the Dharma, Mahakala is a fierce manifestation of the Buddha and the Hindu god Shiva. Kublai Khan, seeking divine aid in his conquests, especially against the Song dynasty, was advised by his spiritual guru Phags-Pa, to commission the temple to invoke Mahakala’s formidable power. The deity, depicted with multiple arms and a crown of skulls, embodies the ferocity needed to annihilate evils and ensure victory. The task of building this important temple was given to the young, talented artisan from Nepal, Arniko.

Urban Legends and Earthquake Resilience

The White Dagoba, a striking 50.9-meter-tall structure, stands at the heart of an urban legend. This massive edifice, topped with a bowl-shaped Dagoba surrounded by seven enormous iron hoops, has baffled many. The hoops, several meters above ground, seemed far beyond the reach of the builders of the time.

Legend has it that after a powerful earthquake struck Beijing, the once-soothing bells of the Dagoba turned into an ominous alarm. The structure appeared on the brink of collapse, and the locals feared it was beyond salvation. During the chaos, a mysterious master appeared, claiming he could repair the Dagoba. Instead of fixing household items which was his actual trade, he focused on mending the massive cracks in the Dagoba. With a peculiar ritual involving smoking and tea, he directed the creation of new iron hoops. Remarkably, by morning, the Dagoba was reinforced with these hoops, leaving the townspeople in awe. Rumor spread that this enigmatic figure might have been a reincarnation of the legendary craftsman Lu Ban, possessing extraordinary skills to save the White Dagoba from disaster.

The White Dagoba Temple is more than a relic of the past; it is a symbol of the Mongol Empire’s embrace of multiculturalism and the profound contributions of foreign talents. Arniko’s work at the temple underscores the enduring impact of cultural exchange and collaboration. Today, the temple is not only a historical monument but also a popular tourist attraction, reminding visitors of the rich, interconnected heritage it represents.

We have produced a video regarding Bai Ta Si and its history, check it out below!