Nan Tien temple
The Nan Tien temple is a Buddhist temple complex located in the industrial suburb of Berkley, on the southern outskirts of the Australian city of Wollongong, approximately 80 km south of Sydney. It was funded by and constructed under the auspices of the Mahayana Buddhist sect known as Fo Guang Shan, and completed in 1995. The sect itself was founded in Taiwan in 1965 by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, and has 120 branches throughout the world.The site of the Australian branch's temple was reputedly chosen by Hsing Yun due to its proximity to Mount Kembla, which is said to have an auspicious resemblance to a recumbent lion. The Nan Tien complex was built using traditional techniques and materials by Chinese craftsmen. Occupying a semi-rural hillside site several square kilometres in size, and set amidst landscaped gardens it is the largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere. It also has the largest terracota tile roof of any building in the southern hemisphere. In addition to various meeting rooms, a museum, cultural, conference and accommodation facilities and a restaurant, the Nan Tien temple complex includes two massive prayer halls (known as the Great Mercy Shrine and the Great Hero Hall) within which are located multiple monumental Buddha and Bodhisattva statues, as well as a 7 level pagoda intended to house the cremated remains of 7000 people. Nan Tien is a Chinese term, and means "southern paradise".
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