Taoyuan Cihu Temple Introduction
In the bustling heart of Taoyuan City lies a revered center of faith—Ci Hu Temple. This site is not only the core of local beliefs but also a cultural and historical landmark where traditional culture is inseparably intertwined with modern life. Stepping into the temple, the swirling incense and sincere atmosphere create a sense of the stabilizing power of faith. The core belief in Mazu, which has been passed down for three hundred years, traces the history of Ci Hu Temple back to the 42nd year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1703), initially established by the You family who brought the golden statue of Mazu from Wujie in Yilan. After several reconstructions and relocations, the temple finally settled in Nanmen Village, Taoyuan, becoming an important center of faith in North Taoyuan. The route for worship is simple yet solemn, with the number of incense burners inside the temple now reduced to two, namely the Heavenly God Incense Burner and the Main Incense Burner, symbolizing environmental sustainability and solemnity. Devotees first offer the first stick of incense at the Heavenly God Incense Burner, then enter the main hall to respectfully worship the Heavenly Mother Mazu, followed by rituals for the Earth God, Wenchang Dijun, Yue Lao, and other deities before returning to the Main Incense Burner to complete a blessed journey filled with ritual significance. The sacred hall where Mazu sisters gather, Ci Hu Temple, is dedicated to the Heavenly Mother Mazu and houses spirit tablets from various places, forming a unique "Mazu Sisterhood," where the faith community acts as a cross-regional cultural exchange celebration. Additionally, the temple also enshrines Avalokiteshvara, the Wealth God, and the God of Time, catering to a variety of prayers for peace, prosperity, or love, ensuring that everyone can find their own blessings. With beautiful architecture, Ci Hu Temple offers a visual and historical feast. The detailed architectural elements, including the Three Stars of Happiness, Prosperity, and Longevity on the roof and the warrior figures made of traditional Cochin pottery, along with exquisite stone carvings, showcase the endless charm of traditional craftsmanship. For photography enthusiasts, this place serves as an incredible venue to capture historical beauty. Embracing technology to bring faith closer, Ci Hu Temple is equipped with an electronic fortune-telling system, allowing devotees to interpret their fortunes in a modern way, making the experience convenient and thoughtful. This is an exemplary integration of tradition and technology, bringing faith closer to everyday life. The annual Mazu Cultural Festival transforms Ci Hu Temple into a lively celebration center every April for Mazu's birthday, featuring events such as ceremonial processions, crowds of devotees, and lighting prayers, attracting a continuous flow of devotees and tourists to experience the charm and vitality of Mazu culture. Ci Hu Temple: a place of worship and a journey of the heart, is not just a sacred space that blesses its devotees but also carries three hundred years of culture and history. Whether visiting to pray for blessings or to appreciate the beauty of ancient architecture, travelers can find inner peace and blessings in this temple filled with incense and devotion.
