Nanfang'ao Jingan Temple (Mazu of Gem Coral) Introduction
Jin'an Temple, which enshrines the founding Mazu, has a history of over two hundred years, creating a solemn atmosphere that brings peace to the soul. Located near the third fishing harbor of Nanfang'ao along the Su'nan Highway, Jin'an Temple is said to have originated in the 19th century when a sailing ship from Tangshan, seeking refuge from the northeast monsoon, brought Mazu from its cabin to a stone cave onshore for worship. Ultimately, Mazu decided to stay in this location to bless the fishermen. In 1975, due to the government's designation of Beifang'ao as a military zone, the fishermen were collectively relocated to Nanfang'ao. Because of this relocation, the fishermen hoped to move Mazu with them, but after casting divination sticks, it was determined that Mazu was unwilling to leave Beifang'ao. Therefore, they left the presiding Mazu at the original temple and, following Mazu's instructions, rebuilt Jin'an Temple by the harbor of Nanfang'ao as a spiritual base for the immigrants. In 2006, a coral merchant received a dream from the Black-faced Mazu, instructing him to donate deep-sea gem coral. After visiting temples throughout Taiwan, he realized that the Black-faced Mazu at Jin'an Temple was indeed the Mazu from his dream, leading him to carve and donate a unique gem coral Mazu statue. The coral Mazu stands 4 feet 8 inches tall, weighs 600 kilograms, and is intricately crafted from coral gems and gold, showcasing majestic divine power and blessing the good men and women who come to pay their respects.
