The city of Wollongong has a metropolitan population of 263,525 and an urban area accounting for a population of 234,482. Wollongong is the third largest city in New South Wales. Well known for its tourist attraction spots, the city of Wollongong is a popular tourist destination. Out of all the tourist attraction spots in the city, the one that really stands out of the rest is the Nan Tien Temple in Wollongong. The Nan Tien Temple is a Buddhist temple complex that is situated in the industrial suburb of Berkeley. It is actually located on the southern outskirts of Wollongong. The meaning of the Chinese term Nan Tien is 'southern paradise'.
The Nan Tien Temple in Wollongong in Australia is one of the branch temples of Fo Guang Shan. The Fo Guang Shan was founded by Venerable Master Hsing Yun in the year 1965. Fo Guang Shan possesses more than 120 branches worldwide. The Nan Tien Temple of Wollongong is by far the largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere. Although built using traditional techniques and materials by Chinese craftsmen, the Nan Tien Temple in Wollongong has modern features. The temple is situated in the midst of beautiful landscaped gardens.
The Nan Tien Temple complex possesses two massive prayer halls. The name of the prayer halls are the Great Mercy Shrine and the Great Hero Hall. Multiple monumental Buddha and Bodhisattva statues are located inside the prayer halls. There are 7 level pagoda that have cremated remains of 7000 people in the temple complex. The temple complex also houses a number of meeting rooms, cultural facilities, a beautiful museum, conference facilities, accommodation facilities as well as a restaurant. The front hall of the Nan Tien Temple in Wollongong displays the Thousand Handed Avalokitesvara. The Thousand Handed Avalokitesvara is known as Kuan Yin in Chinese culture. The main hall in the back displays Five Dhyani Buddhas. It also houses Ratnasambhava, Vairocana, Amogasiddhi, Akshobhya and Amitabha.
The architecture of the temple is unique and distinctive as it incorporates the features of different forms of Buddhism.. For visitors who are interested in Buddhism, the temple organizes regular weekend retreats.
World Travel Guide gives detailed information on Nan Tien Temple in Wollongong as well as on Tourist Attractions in Wollongong.
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