Baisatun Gongtian Temple Introduction
During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, early settlers enshrined the soft-bodied Mazu in residential homes. Later, in the second year of the Tongzhi era, a temple was built to enshrine her, known as "Gongtian Temple," and the locals refer to her as "Baisha Tun Mazu." The temple boasts a majestic appearance, with a roof adorned with intricate and colorful ceramic decorations and gold-foiled eaves that shine brilliantly, enhancing its grandeur. Year after year, the walking pilgrimage of Baisha Tun Mazu has continued for over a century, making it older than other existing Mazu pilgrimage activities in Taiwan. Beyond the significance of religious ceremonies, in today's bustling Taiwanese society, another captivating aspect of the Baisha Tun Mazu walking pilgrimage is the warmth and humanity among participants, free of barriers. For a long time, due to its remote location, the residents of Baisha Tun have lived simply and frugally, enduring hardship by walking the arduous journey to Ne Bai for pilgrimage each year. Over this period, the earnest ancestors of Baisha Tun have fostered a spirit of resilience and mutual support along the pilgrimage route, forming a unique cultural landscape. Today, when I walk within the pilgrimage group near Baisha Tun Mazu, we can naturally feel the rich warmth of human connections, a treasure passed down through generations under Mazu's guidance. The entire journey is on foot, with the divine palanquin determining its own path. Compared to other Mazu pilgrimage activities across Taiwan, what makes the Baisha Tun Mazu pilgrimage particularly noteworthy is the route it takes, determined solely by the palanquin. Many faithful believers deeply trust that there are no human factors controlling this; it is truly the divine will leading them to Ne Bai for pilgrimage. Under divine guidance, believers not only experience their own insignificance but also learn to humbly observe the events around them. Especially when they are hungry and receive items from passersby, even a cup of water, a bowl of porridge, or simply kind words of concern or encouragement, it leaves a profound impact on their hearts. Many who join the Baisha Tun Mazu pilgrimage will certainly return the following year, for such a rich cultural experience is truly irreplaceable in Taiwan. It is a pilgrimage every Taiwanese person must experience at least once in their lifetime.
