Zhonggang Ciyu Temple Introduction
Ciyu Temple is dedicated to Mazu, commonly known as Zhonggang Mazu, and is known as one of the "Three Mazu Temples of Taiwan" along with Beigang Chaotian Temple and Donggang Donglong Temple. Every year on the 15th day of the first lunar month, lanterns are displayed, and there are temple fairs on March 23rd and September 9th, as well as the Zhongyuan Festival for ancestral worship, which often brings rare lively scenes to Zhonggang. Stone carvings are the main decorations of Ciyu Temple, including the main entrance and exterior decorations, the eaves, and columns. A pair of Qingtou stone lions at the middle entrance of the front hall is currently known as the earliest stone carving masterpiece of the temple, while the coiling dragon stone columns in the front hall are the remaining pair of early dragon columns, characterized by their slender carvings. The most distinctive folk activities at Ciyu Temple, besides the "Zha Handan" during the Lantern Festival, include the "Washing the Port and Sacrificing the River." "Washing the Port and Sacrificing the River" is the only summer Mazu procession in the country. On the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, Mazu leads four other deities around Zhonggang, conducting various rituals at the mouth of the sea. After the ritual, everyone must silently leave with their backs to the mouth of the sea, while the deities' statues must face the mouth of the sea as they are returned, symbolizing the cleansing of the land and protecting everyone’s safety. "Zha Handan" takes place on the evening of the Lantern Festival, where the deity's golden body is carried by four bearers dressed in specific attire, escorting the palanquin at designated points to receive the welcome of believers' firecrackers. Why is it called Zhonggang? Zhonggang, located in the northern part of Taiwan, is named "Zhong" (meaning "middle") because it was the earliest port city in Zhunan Township. In the past, people from the mainland traveled to Taiwan by boat and were not familiar with the geography of Taiwan, thinking that Zhonggang was situated between Lukang and Keelung, hence the name Zhonggang. "Zha Handan" Brief Profile: Currently, the "Zha Handan" activity is preserved in Taitung and Zhunan. In Miaoli County's Zhunan, the "Zha Handan" involves four bearers carrying the statue of Xuantan God to receive the blessings of firecrackers; in Taitung, it involves carrying a person who embodies Xuantan. Qingtou Stone Lions: The Qingtou stone lions were donated by devotees in the 48th year of the Qianlong era. With fine texture, they feel cool to the touch in summer and have a moist sensation, making them one-of-a-kind stone lion art pieces in Taiwan. Ancient Sandalwood Incense Burner: Unlike the regular incense burners made of metal, porcelain, or stone found in temples, Ciyu Temple has a unique "ancient sandalwood incense burner," which holds great artistic value. Jingjing Spring: According to legend, Jingjing Spring was dug when Liu Mingchuan, the governor of Taiwan, stationed his troops at Ciyu Temple. "The spring water is sweet and clear enough to see the bottom, constructed of stones in a hexagonal shape, hence named Jingjing Spring." Although it has now been replaced by a water supply, it still represents the struggles of the early settlers.
