Guanshan Mazu Temple Introduction
The main hall of Tianhou Temple is dedicated to the Heavenly Mother, with a statue of Mazu standing about 1.2 meters tall and the original Mazu statue still present. The left hall features an embroidered curtain inscribed with "Civilized and Mighty, Shaking the World," housing the statue of Guan Sheng Di Jun and the revered Confucius. The right hall has an embroidered curtain inscribed with "Abundant Harvests and Peaceful People," dedicated to Shennong Da Di and the Goddess of Childbirth. Unlike typical temples in western Taiwan, this temple features a statue of Confucius instead of using a spirit tablet for worshiping him. Tianhou Temple in Guanshan Township is one of the older temples in Taitung County, occupying a vast area of about 400 ping. The main entrance has a grand and towering gatehouse, with a large banyan tree on either side of the temple courtyard. In the center, there is a dragon spring pond, and to the front left is a stage for performances. The temple itself is built in a double-hall gable style, with the worship pavilion in front and the main hall at the back, separated by a central courtyard. On the left side of the temple is a subsidiary Three Treasures Buddha Hall. Despite being located amid the bustling streets, Tianhou Temple remains a tranquil center of faith for the townspeople and a good place for leisure.
