Taoyuan Cihu Temple Introduction
In the bustling heart of Taoyuan City lies a significant place of worship, Cihu Temple. This is not only the core of local faith but also a cultural and historical site that intertwines traditional culture with modern life. Stepping inside the temple, the swirling incense and sincere atmosphere intertwine, allowing one to feel the stabilizing power of faith. The history of Cihu Temple, the core of the Mazu belief that has been passed down for three centuries, can be traced back to the 42nd year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign (1703), when early settlers from the Yu family in Yilan Wujie invited the statue of Mazu to the area. After several reconstructions and relocations, the temple finally settled in the South Gate neighborhood of Taoyuan, becoming an important center of faith in Northern Taoyuan. The worship route in Cihu Temple is simple yet solemn. The number of incense burners has been streamlined to two, the Tianshi burner and the main burner, symbolizing the spirit of environmental friendliness and formality. Devotees first offer the first stick of incense at the Tianshi burner, then proceed to the main hall to respectfully worship the Heavenly Mother Mazu, followed by paying respects to Fude Zhengshen, Wen Chang Dijun, Yue Lao, and other deities, before returning to the main burner to complete a blessed journey filled with ritual significance. In the sacred hall where Mazu sisters gather, Cihu Temple primarily worships the Heavenly Mother Mazu and houses Mazu figures from various regions, forming a unique “Sisters of Mazu Association,” which serves as a cross-regional cultural exchange event. Additionally, the temple also enshrines Guanyin Bodhisattva, the Wealth God, and the Star Lord of Tai Sui, ensuring that regardless of whether one is seeking peace, wealth, or love, there is a blessing for everyone. The architectural beauty of Cihu Temple offers a visual and historical feast. The exquisite details on the roof, featuring the Three Star Deities of Fu, Lu, and Shou and the warrior figures in traditional pottery, combined with intricate stone carvings, showcase the endless charm of traditional craftsmanship. For photography enthusiasts, this is an excellent place to capture the beauty of history. With the support of technology, faith becomes more accessible. Cihu Temple is keeping pace with the times by providing an electronic fortune-telling system, allowing devotees to interpret the lottery results in a modern way, making it both convenient and thoughtful. This is the best example of the combination of tradition and technology, bringing faith closer to everyone’s daily life. The annual Mazu Cultural Festival, held in April during Mazu's birthday, transforms Cihu Temple into a lively celebration center, featuring events such as processions, the crowds of devotees carrying the palanquins, and lighting ceremonies that attract countless pilgrims and tourists, allowing them to experience the charm of Mazu culture and the vitality of folklore. Cihu Temple: a temple and a journey of the heart. Cihu Temple is not only a sacred space that protects its followers but also carries three centuries of culture and history. Whether coming to seek blessings or to appreciate the beauty of ancient architecture, travelers can find inner peace and blessings within this bustling temple.
