Zhonggang Ciyu Temple Introduction
Ciyu Temple enshrines Mazu, commonly referred to 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 Lunar New Year, lantern viewing takes place, followed by temple fairs on March 23 and September 9, as well as the Zhongyuan Festival rituals, which often bring a rare lively atmosphere to Zhonggang. The temple's decorations primarily consist of stone carvings, including the main entrance and external eave decorations, eaves, and columns. A pair of Qingdou stone lions at the middle door of the front hall is known to be the earliest stone carving masterpiece of the temple. The coiling dragon stone pillars in the front hall are the only remaining pair of early dragon pillars in Ciyu Temple, characterized by their slender carvings. Apart from the Lantern Festival's "Zha Handan," another unique folk activity of Ciyu Temple is the "Washing the Port and Practicing the River" ceremony. This is the only summer Mazu procession in the country, held on the Dragon Boat Festival, where Mazu leads four other deities around Zhonggang and performs various rituals at the mouth of the sea. After the rituals, everyone must turn their backs to the sea and leave silently, while the deities face the sea and return, symbolizing the purification of the land and ensuring the safety of the people. The "Zha Handan" event is held on the evening of the Lantern Festival, where a divine palanquin carrying a deity's statue, accompanied by four bearers dressed in shorts and holding brooms, proceeds along designated points to be welcomed by firecrackers from devotees. Why is it called Zhonggang? Although Zhonggang is in the northern part of Taiwan, it is named "Zhong" (meaning "middle") because it is the earliest port city established in Zhunan Township. In the past, people from mainland China arrived by boat to Taiwan and, being unfamiliar with the geography, believed that Zhonggang was situated between Lukang and Keelung, hence the name. "Zha Handan" profile: Currently, the "Zha Handan" event is preserved only in Taitung and Zhunan. In Miaoli County's Zhunan, it features four bearers lifting the statue of Xuantan Yuanshuai to receive the blessing of firecrackers, while Taitung has a person representing the deity participating in the event. Qingdou Stone Lions: The Qingdou stone lions were dedicated by devotees in the 48th year of Qianlong’s reign. Their texture is fine, providing a cool touch in summer, creating a unique moist sensation, making them a one-of-a-kind stone lion art masterpiece in Taiwan. Ancient Sandalwood Incense Burner: Typically, incense burners used in temples are made of metals, porcelain, or stone, but Ciyu Temple uniquely possesses an ancient sandalwood incense burner, which holds significant artistic value. Jingjing Spring: According to legend, Jingjing Spring was dug by Liu Mingchuan, the governor of Taiwan, during his military stationing at Ciyu Temple. "The spring gushes sweet water, clear enough to see the bottom, built with stones in a hexagonal shape, named Jingjing Spring." Although it has now been replaced by tap water, it still represents the struggles of the ancestors.
