What are Ma Xian's four pillars and eight pillars? What does Ma Xian's four beams and eight pillars mean?

1. In the past, buildings were mainly made of wood. Most buildings adopt the pattern of three rooms (representing heaven, earth and people). Because the bay is large, two beams are added in the middle. The front and rear beams are four beams (representing four sides), and each beam has a pillar at both ends for support.

2. So there are eight pillars (representing all directions). The whole building is supported by these four beams and eight columns. So there are four beams and eight pillars. Represents the meaning of the main structure.