Nanfang'ao Jin'an Temple (Mazu of Gem Coral) Introduction
Jin'an Temple, home to the founding Mazu, has a history of over two hundred years and offers a solemn and serene atmosphere that brings peace to the soul. Located along the Su'nan Highway near the third fishing port of Nan'ao, Jin'an Temple is said to have been established in the 19th century when a sailing ship from Tangshan sought refuge from the northeast monsoon. The ship's crew brought Mazu ashore to a stone cave for worship, and ultimately, Mazu decided to remain in this area to bless the fishermen. In 1975, due to the government's designation of Beifang'ao as a military zone, fishermen were collectively relocated to Nan'ao. Because of this relocation, the fishermen wished to move Mazu along with them, but the divination results showed that Mazu was unwilling to leave Beifang'ao. As a result, they had to leave the main deity Mazu at the original temple and, following instructions, built a new Jin'an Temple by the port of Nan'ao to serve as a spiritual base for the immigrants. In 2006, a coral merchant was visited by the Black-faced Mazu in a dream, prompting him to donate precious 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. Thus, he carved and donated a unique coral Mazu, the only one of its kind in the world. This coral Mazu stands 4 feet 8 inches tall, weighs 600 kilograms, and is meticulously crafted from coral gemstones and gold, embodying solemn majesty and benevolence, protecting the worshippers who come to pay their respects.
