The Altar was built in the first year of Zhengtong era of Ming Dynasty (1463 AD) by the imperial decree of Emperor Yingzong. At that time, Emperor Yingzong gave it the name "Guang Shan Jietan Hall". This altar is also known as a upasam!panna altar, as it allows for ordination of Buddhist upasam!panna. Numerous monks have got ordained here. The monks who get upasam!panna ordained can go to monasteries all over the country with the certificate issued by Tanzhe Temple to register, and can also travel all over the world and beg alms everywhere, just like holding a diploma from a famous university.