Manjushri Bodhisattva

Manjushri Shri, meaning 'Auspicious and Virtuous', embodies the collective wisdom of all Buddhas and frequently appears as the foremost bodhisattva in Mahayana sutras. According to the Avatamsaka Sutra (Flower Garland Sutra), the Cool Mountain is Manjushri’s abode; Chinese Buddhism identified this sacred site with Wutai Shan in Shanxi Province. Since the Northern Wei Dynasty, the mountain has hosted uninterrupted monastic activity, with its Five Great Chan Monasteries—including Xiantong Temple and Tayuan Temple—gaining renown across the Buddhist world. Legends recount that Manjushri repeatedly manifested on Wutai Shan as an old man, a child, or a destitute woman to guide and awaken ordinary people. During the imperial examination era, candidates routinely worshipped Manjushri before taking their civil service exams to seek wisdom and clarity; today, pilgrims still throng Wutai Shan and local temples’ Manjushri Halls each year on his birthday—the 4th day of the 4th lunar month—and especially before national college entrance (Gaokao) and high school examinations.