Zhonggang Ciyu Temple Introduction
Ciyu Temple enshrines Mazu, commonly known as Zhonggang Mazu, and is one of the "Three Mazu Temples of Taiwan" along with Beigang Chao Tian Temple and Donggang Donglong Temple. Every year, on the 15th day of the first lunar month, people enjoy the lantern festival, and on March 23rd and September 9th, the temple hosts events that bring a rare hustle and bustle to Zhonggang, along with the Ghost Festival rituals. The main decorative feature of Ciyu Temple is its stone carvings, including the main entrance and outer eaves decorations, the corridors, and the pillars. A pair of Qingtou stone lions at the middle door of the front hall are known as the earliest stone sculptures of the temple. The dragon stone pillars in the front hall are the only remaining pair of early dragon pillars of Ciyu Temple, characterized by their slender carved shafts. Besides the "Zha Handan" during the Lantern Festival, another unique folk activity of Ciyu Temple is the "Washing Port and Praying for River". This is the only summer Mazu procession in Taiwan, held on the Dragon Boat Festival where Mazu leads four other deities around Zhonggang, performing various rituals at the river mouth. After the ceremonies, everyone must quietly leave with their backs turned to the river mouth, while the deities face the river mouth and retreat, symbolizing the cleansing of the land and protecting the safety of the people. "Zha Handan" is an activity on the night of the Lantern Festival, where the god palanquin carrying the statue of the deity is escorted by four "bearers" dressed in unique outfits to accept the welcome of firecrackers at various spots. Why is it called Zhonggang? Despite being located in northern Taiwan, Zhonggang is named "Zhong" (middle) because it was the earliest port city in Zhunan Township. In the past, people from the mainland came to Taiwan by boat and, due to their unfamiliarity with Taiwan's geography, they believed Zhonggang was situated between Lugang and Keelung, thus naming it Zhonggang. About "Zha Handan": Currently, the "Zha Handan" activity is preserved in only two places in Taiwan, Taitung and Zhunan. In Zhunan, four shirtless bearers carry the statue of Xuantan Emperor to receive blessings from firecrackers, while in Taitung, they carry the person possessed by Xuantan. Qingtou stone lions: The Qingtou stone lions were dedicated by devotees in the 48th year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign. They have a delicate texture, feel cool to the touch in summer, and are uniquely humid, making them a one-of-a-kind stone lion art piece in Taiwan. Ancient sandalwood incense burner: Unlike the incense burners in most temples, which are made of metal, porcelain, or stone, Ciyu Temple has a unique "ancient sandalwood incense burner," which is of great artistic value. Jingjing Spring: Jingjing Spring is said to have been dug by Governor Liu Mingchuan when his troops were stationed at Ciyu Temple. The spring flows with sweet and clear water, constructed in a six-sided shape with stones, and is named Jingjing Spring. Although it has now been replaced by tap water, it still represents the struggles of the ancestors.
