Zhonggang Ciyu Temple Introduction
Ciyu Temple is dedicated to Mazu, commonly known as Zhonggang Mazu, and is regarded as one of the "Three Mazu Temples of Taiwan" alongside Beigang Chao Tian Temple and Donggang Donglong Temple. Every year, on the 15th day of the first lunar month, lanterns are displayed, with festivities held on March 23 and September 9, as well as the Zhongyuan Pu Du ritual, bringing rare vibrancy to Zhonggang. Stone carvings are the main decoration of Ciyu Temple, including the entrance gate and exterior decorations, eaves, and columns. The pair of青斗石獅 (green stone lions) at the main door of the front hall is the earliest known stone sculpture of the temple, while the spiral dragon stone pillars are the only remaining early dragon pillars in Ciyu Temple, with slimly carved pillar cores, which are unique features of the temple. Aside from the "Zha Hantan" activity during the Lantern Festival, another characteristic folk activity of Ciyu Temple is the "Washing the Port and Worshipping the River." "Washing the Port and Worshipping the River" is the only summer Mazu procession in the country. On the Dragon Boat Festival, Mazu leads four other deities in a巡境 (procession) around Zhonggang, performing various rituals at the seaport. After the rituals are completed, everyone must turn their back to the seaport and quietly leave without making any sound, while the deities face the seaport as they retreat, symbolizing the assurance of the cleanliness of the land and the protection of people's safety. "Zha Hantan" takes place during the Lantern Festival night, with divine palanquins carrying the golden figures being escorted by four bearers dressed in specific attire, who safeguard the palanquins while receiving the welcoming firecrackers from devotees at various points along the way. Why is it called Zhonggang? Although Zhonggang is located in northern Taiwan, it is referred to as "Zhong" (meaning "middle") because it was the earliest port city in Zhunan Township, where mainland tourists, who were unfamiliar with Taiwan's geography, assumed it to be positioned between Lugang and Keelung, hence the name Zhonggang. The "Zha Hantan" dossier states that the only places in Taiwan that still maintain the "Zha Hantan" activity are Taitung and Zhunan. In Zhunan, the event has four bare-chested bearers carrying the golden figure of Xuantan Marshal on stage to receive blessings from firecrackers, while in Taitung, a person possessed by Xuantan Ye is carried on stage. The 青斗石獅 (green stone lions) were dedicated by devotees in the 48th year of the Qianlong reign. Their texture is exquisite, providing a cool touch in summer and a unique wet sensation, making them a one-of-a-kind stone lion artistic masterpiece in Taiwan. The ancient agarwood incense burner is different from those typically used in temples, which are usually made of metal, porcelain, or stone; Ciyu Temple has a unique "ancient agarwood incense burner," which holds significant artistic value. The井井泉 (Well Well Spring) is said to have been excavated by Liu Mingchuan, the governor of Taiwan, while stationed at Ciyu Temple. "The spring produces sweet water, clear enough to see the bottom, constructed in a hexagonal shape with stones and named 'Well Well Spring'." Although it has been replaced by tap water today, it still represents the struggles of the ancestors.
