Cilong Temple Introduction
Cilong Temple is dedicated to Guanyin Bodhisattva, with the attendants Shancai and Liangnu. The temple also houses the deities Zhu Sheng Niang Niang and Tudi Gong. It represents a folk belief that blends Buddhism and Taoism in Taiwan, originally named Guanyin Pavilion. The faith began in the 41st year of Qianlong's reign (1776), when Han ancestors from Putuo Mountain in Zhejiang, China, brought it to Taiwan. In the 39th year of Meiji (1906), a major earthquake in Chiayi caused the Guanyin Pavilion to collapse, leading figures like Ye Fa and Huang Xian to fundraise for its reconstruction at the original site. In the 13th year of Showa (1938), during Japan's assimilation movement and promotion of Shinto in Taiwan, the Guanyin Pavilion was merged into the Cheng Huang Temple under the concept of "one township, one temple." In 1947, after fundraising by believers like Zeng Mu, the current site was purchased to rebuild Cilong Temple. The connection between Lin Yushan, a master of Chinese painting, and Cilong Temple is significant. Guanyin Bodhisattva chose the current site for the temple, and local residents contributed time and funds for its construction. Lin Yushan, who lived nearby and was an art teacher at National Chiayi Senior High School at that time, enthusiastically participated in the interior decoration of the temple, including overseeing the painting and calligraphy. Among the artworks are five ink wash wet wall paintings focused on animal themes, symbolizing auspiciousness. These masterpieces are unique in Taiwan and are considered a rare treasure. The wet wall paintings were the last set of works Lin created before leaving Chiayi and are the only wet wall paintings he made in a religious building. Wet wall paintings (Cilong Temple) use a bamboo frame covered with clay mixed with rice husks, straw, and glutinous rice as a binder. Once dried, the outer layer is smoothed with lime powder, and while the lime is still damp, it is painted. This technique presents challenges, as the work must be completed before the outer layer dries, while also preventing the paint from bleeding or being wiped. Introduction to the wet wall paintings of Cilong Temple: - Cloud Dragon: Spirit emerges, supreme in heaven and earth, auspicious dragon descends, blessings fill the world. - Receiving Heaven's Blessings: Receive heaven's blessings, never lacking in food and clothing, wealth and nobility, lifelong glory. - Eternal Title: Blessings and riches for ten thousand years, wealth and titles conferred, evergreen pines and cypress, auspicious and wish-fulfilling. - Descending Blessings: Cranes heralding good fortune, complete blessings, pines and cranes for longevity, abundant blessings across the heavens. - Eight Majestic Horses: Eight majestic horses, success arrives swiftly, vibrant life, everything goes smoothly. Note: Guided tours can be scheduled by calling 05-2774488.
