Zhonggang Ciyu Temple Introduction
Ci-Yu Temple is dedicated to Mazu, commonly known as Zhonggang Mazu, and is recognized alongside Beigang Chaotian Temple and Donggang Donglong Temple as one of the "Three Mazu Temples in Taiwan." Every year on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, visitors enjoy lanterns, and the temple holds festivals on March 23rd, September 9th, and during the Mid-Year Ghost Festival, bringing rare lively scenes to Zhonggang. The main decoration of Ci-Yu Temple consists of stone carvings, including the entrance gate, outer eaves decoration, eaves corridors, and columns. A pair of Qingtou stone lions at the middle door of the front hall is currently recognized as the oldest 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 Ci-Yu Temple, characterized by their thin and slender column cores. Besides the Lantern Festival event "Zha Handan," the most distinctive folk activity at Ci-Yu Temple is the "Xiangang Festival." The "Xiangang Festival" is the only summer Mazu pilgrimage in the country, held on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, where Mazu leads four other deities around Zhonggang. Various rituals are performed at the estuary, and once completed, everyone must quietly leave without making any noise while facing away from the estuary, symbolizing the assurance of a clean land and the protection of people's safety. "Zha Handan" is a ceremony held on the Lantern Festival evening, where a palanquin carrying a deity icon, accompanied by bearers wearing minimal clothing and holding brooms, receives salutation firecrackers at designated points along the route. Why is it called Zhonggang? Even though Zhonggang is located in northern Taiwan, why is it called "Zhong" (meaning middle)? Zhonggang is the earliest port city constructed in Zhunan Township. In the past, when people from the mainland arrived by boat, they were not fully familiar with Taiwan's geography and believed that Zhonggang was situated between Lugang and Keelung, thus naming it Zhonggang. Brief history of "Zha Handan": Currently, the "Zha Handan" event is preserved in Taitung and Zhunan. In Miaoli County's Zhunan, the event features four bare-chested bearers carrying the golden statue of Lord Xuantan to receive a firecracker shower. In Taitung, participants carry the person possessed by Lord Xuantan. Qingtou stone lions: The Qingtou stone lions were dedicated by devotees in the 48th year of the Qianlong reign. Their texture is exquisite, feeling cool to the touch in summer, and they have a unique dampness, making them a one-of-a-kind stone lion art treasure in Taiwan. Ancient sandalwood incense burner: Typically, incense burners in temples are made of metal, ceramics, or stone, but Ci-Yu Temple houses a unique "ancient sandalwood incense burner," possessing great artistic value. Jingjing Spring: According to legend, Jingjing Spring was excavated by Liu Mingchuan, the governor of Taiwan, when stationed at Ci-Yu Temple. The spring water is sweet and clear, constructed with a hexagonal stone structure and named Jingjing Spring. Although it has now been replaced by tap water, it still represents the struggles of the ancestors.
