Chiayi Shrine Temizuya Introduction
The "Chōzuya" of Chiayi Shrine, which has been dry for nearly half a century, has been restored! Located across from the Chiayi City Historical Relics Museum, the history of Chiayi Shrine dates back to 1911, when the Japanese promoted Shinto and advanced the Han-ization movement. The Chiayi Prefecture actively planned the construction of the shrine. The shrine has two generations; the first-generation shrine was inaugurated in 1915, located in front of the right side of the current Shèrrìtǎ. Due to a large number of worshippers, a second-generation shrine was built. The overall historical site includes the ruins of the first-generation shrine, the ritual tool storage, the chōzuya, a resting place (gathering place), the purification hall, and the administrative office among other annexes. The chōzuya of the second-generation Chiayi Shrine was opened in 1945, featuring an independent four-pillar courtyard structure with an octagonal overflow basin in the center, which contains a stone basin and is equipped with a long-handled ladle for visitors to wash their hands and rinse their mouths, achieving a purification effect. To protect the historical site, tap water was introduced and automatic water dispensing sensors were installed, allowing visitors to experience the purification steps when visiting Japanese shrines. It is hoped that the restoration will attract more people to explore the history and culture of the shrine during their visit to the Chiayi City Historical Relics Museum. An explanatory board is set up inside the chōzuya to inform visitors about the usage steps: (1) Take water with the ladle using the right hand (each person should only take water once) and wash the left hand. (2) Transfer the ladle to the left hand and wash the right hand. (3) Return the ladle to the right hand, pour water into the left palm for rinsing (or symbolically use the water to touch the lips). (4) Stand the ladle upright and wash the handle with the remaining water. (5) Finally, place the ladle back for the next user. Those who have never experienced a Japanese chōzuya can visit the Chiayi City Historical Relics Museum for this experience, and after finishing, return the wooden ladle to its original position, allowing the next visitor to feel the ritual of purification.
