Nanfang'ao Jin'an Temple (Mazu of Gem Coral) Introduction
Jin'an Temple, dedicated to Mazu, has a history of over 200 years, creating a solemn and serene atmosphere that brings peace to the soul. Located near the third fishing port of Nanfangao on Su'nan Highway, Jin'an Temple is said to have originated in the 19th century when fishermen from Tangshan, seeking refuge from the northeast monsoon, brought Mazu from their boat to a rocky cave for worship. Eventually, Mazu decided to stay in this location to bless the fishermen. In 1975, due to the government's establishment of a military zone in Beifenao, the fishermen were collectively relocated to Nanfangao. As a result of the relocation, the fishermen wished to bring Mazu with them, but the divination result showed that Mazu was unwilling to leave Beifenao, so they could only leave the temple's Mazu in the original temple and were instructed to rebuild Jin'an Temple by the port of Nanfangao as a faith base for the immigrants. In 2006, a coral merchant, inspired by a dream from the Black-Faced Mazu, donated deep-sea coral. After visiting temples across Taiwan, he discovered that the Black-Faced Mazu at Jin'an Temple was indeed the Mazu from his dream, leading him to carve and donate a unique coral Mazu statue in the world. The coral Mazu stands 4 feet 8 inches tall, weighs a total of 600 kilograms, and is entirely crafted from coral and gold, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and a dignified, compassionate presence, demonstrating great divine power and blessing the devotees who come to worship.
