Nanfang'ao Jingan Temple (Matsu of Gem Coral) Introduction
Jin'an Temple, which houses the founding Mazu, has a history of over 200 years, and its solemn atmosphere brings peace to the soul. Located near the third fishing harbor of Nan'ao on the Su-Nan Highway, Jin'an Temple is said to have been established in the 19th century when a Tangshan sailing ship sought refuge from the northeast monsoon and brought Mazu from the ship's cabin to an offshore stone cave for worship. Eventually, Mazu decided to stay in this location to bless the fishermen. In the 64th year of the Republic, due to the government's establishment of a military area in Beifang'ao, fishermen were collectively relocated to Nan'ao. Because of this relocation, the fishermen hoped to move Mazu along, but the divination results showed that Mazu was unwilling to leave Beifang'ao. Therefore, they had to leave the temple's Mazu in the original temple and, following her instructions, rebuilt Jin'an Temple by the port in Nan'ao as a faith base for the immigrants. In 2006, a coral businessman was instructed in a dream by the Black-faced Mazu to donate deep-sea gem coral. After visiting temples across Taiwan, he discovered that the Black-faced Mazu of Jin'an Temple was the deity from his dreams, leading him to carve and donate a unique coral Mazu statue made of gemstone coral. This coral Mazu stands 4 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 600 kilograms, crafted from coral gems and gold, depicting a finely carved, solemn, and compassionate Mazu, reflecting her mighty divine power and blessing those who come to worship.
