Zhongli Renhai Temple Introduction
The Zhongli Rinhai Temple, established in the 6th year of Daoguang during the Qing Dynasty (1826), ranks fourth in the Ministry of the Interior's list of Taiwan's top religious sites. It is dedicated to Mazu and has nearly 200 years of history. It was originally built through the joint efforts of 13 villages including Zhongli, Pingzhen, and Yangmei, and initially enshrined Guanyin, later adding Mazu. The temple has undergone five renovations and is the oldest temple in Zhongli, located on Xinjie Street, hence the nickname "Xinjie Temple." It has always been a site of fervent worship and is an important center of faith for Zhongli residents, also known as "Zhongli Mazu." During the Japanese colonial period, under the assimilation movement, Rinhai Temple was the only temple in the Zhongli area that escaped demolition. The adjacent Shengji Pavilion, rebuilt during the Showa era, retains the popular pebble washing and Baroque decorative arts characteristics of the time, showcasing a unique architectural style that reflects cultural integration. The architectural layout and style of Rinhai Temple follows the traditional architecture from southern China, consisting of a front hall, main hall, and rear hall, conforming to a three-hall structure. The mountain gate stands independently in front of the main temple, with four pillars and three doors, creating a grand atmosphere. In 2019, the temple completed renovations and added a new incense hall dedicated to Mazu, featuring a rare statue of a thousand-year-old Mazu, 109 cm tall and weighing 53 kg, dressed in official robes, which holds unique significance, comparable to the statues of Dajia Mazu and Yilan Coral Mazu. Today, Rinhai Temple is revitalized with its intricate carvings and vibrant structures, showcasing the splendor of a century-old temple. Currently, Zhongli Rinhai Temple frequently hosts various celebrations and folk activities, attracting pilgrims from all over during significant events such as Mazu's birthday on the 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month, the Zhongyuan Festival, "Water Lantern Release," and the Mazu Return and Procession in the 11th lunar month, making these festivities highly significant. (Source of text and images: Rinhai Temple)
