Zhonggang Ciyu Temple Introduction
Ciyu Temple enshrines Mazu, commonly known as Zhonggang Mazu, and it is referred to as one of the "Three Mazu Temples of Taiwan," alongside Beigang Chaotian Temple and Donggang Donglong Temple. Every year on the 15th day of the first lunar month, there is a lantern festival, and temple fairs on March 23rd and September 9th, as well as the Ghost Festival ceremonies, often bring rare vibrant scenes to Zhonggang. Stone carvings make up the main decorations of Ciyu Temple, including the main entrance and outer eaves decorations, the porch, and pillars. A pair of Qingdou stone lions at the middle door of the front hall is the earliest known stone carving masterpiece of the temple, while the twisting dragon stone pillars in the front hall are the only pair of early dragon pillars remaining in Ciyu Temple, characterized by their slender columns. Aside from the "Zha Handan" during the lantern festival, another notable folk activity of Ciyu Temple is the "Washing the Port Festival." This festival is the only summer Mazu pilgrimage in the country, held on the Dragon Boat Festival, where Mazu leads four other deities on a procession around Zhonggang, performing various rituals at the seaside. After the rituals, everyone must quietly leave with their backs turned to the sea, while the deities face the sea, symbolizing the purification of the land and ensuring the safety of everyone. Regarding the name Zhonggang, although it is located in the northern part of Taiwan, it is called "Zhong" (meaning “middle”) because it was the earliest port city established in Jhunan Township. In the past, people from the mainland would arrive by boat and, due to their limited geographical knowledge of Taiwan, believed that Zhonggang was situated between Lugang and Keelung, thus the name Zhonggang. "Zha Handan" Brief Profile: The "Zha Handan" activity is still preserved in Taitung and Jhunan today. In Miaoli County’s Jhunan, four bare-chested porters carry the statue of the God Xuan Tan to receive the blessings of firecrackers; in Taitung, a person embodying the spirit of Xuan Tan is carried in the procession. Qingdou Stone Lions: The Qingdou stone lions were donated by devotees in the 48th year of the Qianlong era. They are finely crafted, feel cool to the touch in summer, and have a unique dampness, making them a one-of-a-kind stone lion art treasure in Taiwan. Ancient Sandalwood Incense Burner: While incense burners in most temples are made of metal, porcelain, or stone, Ciyu Temple has a unique "ancient sandalwood incense burner" that holds great artistic value. Jingjing Spring: Traditionally said to have been dug by Liu Mingchuan, the governor of Taiwan, when his troops were stationed at Ciyu Temple, this spring's water is sweet and clear. It is made of stones in a hexagonal shape and is named Jingjing Spring. Although it has now been replaced by tap water, it still represents the struggles of the ancestors.
