Cihou Temple Introduction
Cihe Temple is located in Yuanbei Village of this town, dedicated to Ma Zu as the main deity. Formerly known as the "Mazu outside the city," Cihe Temple, along with Shuntian Temple, serves as one of the two major centers of faith in Yuanli. Due to transportation developments and urban expansion, Cihe Temple has surpassed Shuntian Temple in both architectural scale and the number of worshippers, making it the largest center of faith in Yuanli. Established in the 53rd year of the Kangxi era, Cihe Temple was originally located north of the current market on Xianxia Road and was moved to its present site in the 37th year of the Qianlong era (1773) by Huang Zairong, Huang Yinglu, Chen Zhicheng, and others. The main deity worshipped at Cihe Temple is Ma Zu, alongside other deities such as the Goddess of Birth, the Three Mountain Kings, City God, Guandi, Jade Emperor, Xuantian Emperor, Three Pass Deities, Wenchang Emperor, Longevity Emperor, Ziwang Emperor, and the Lord of Time. The temple houses many ancient artifacts, including the "Penglai Cihe Temple Stele," an original statue of Ma Zu on the altar, as well as other items like the Thousand-Mile Eye and the Discerning Wind Ear. Notable items include an ancient stone incense burner from the 36th year of the Qianlong era, an ancient wooden altar, the "Hai Guo Biao Ling" plaque established in the 38th year of the Qianlong era, and the royal plaque "Yutang Tong Gong," granted during the 10th year of the Guangxu era for the temple's contributions in aiding the celestial mother Ma Zu.
