Cihode Temple Introduction
Cihou Temple is located in the Yuanshan North Village of this town, dedicated to the Heavenly Mother as the main deity. Formerly known as the Mazu outside the city, Cihou Temple and Shun Tian Temple are the two major centers of faith in Yuanli. Due to factors such as transportation infrastructure and urban development, Cihou Temple has surpassed Shun Tian Temple in terms of architectural scale and number of worshippers, becoming the largest center of faith in Yuanli. Cihou Temple was established in the 53rd year of the Kangxi reign, situated north of the modern Xiangxia Road Market. It was relocated to its current site in the 37th year of the Qianlong reign (1773) by advocates such as Huang Zairong, Huang Yinglu, and Chen Zhicheng. Cihou Temple primarily enshrines Mazu, with additional deities including the Goddess of Childbirth, the Three Mountain Kings, City God, Guan Sheng Emperor, Jade Emperor, Xuantian Emperor, San Guan Emperor, Wenchang Emperor, Changsheng Emperor, Ziwang Emperor, and the Great Star Lord. The temple currently houses many ancient relics, including the "Penglai Cihou Temple Stele," the statue of Mazu above the altar, and various legendary figures such as the Thousand-Mile Eye and the Wind-Listening Ear, which are all original. It also features an ancient stone incense burner from the 36th year of Qianlong's reign and a wooden ancient altar, along with the "Hai Guo Biao Ling" plaque established in the 38th year of Qianlong’s reign. In the 10th year of the Guangxu reign, a commendatory plaque "With Heaven in Harmony" was awarded to Cihou Temple for its contributions to the rescue of the Heavenly Mother.
