Jia Yi Cheng Huang Temple Introduction
The Chenghuang Temple, also known as Chenghuang Ye, is a center of faith for the people of Chiayi City and symbolizes the guardian deity of the locale. The temple has been intimately connected with the community since ancient times and has a rich tradition of worship. It was established in the 54th year of the Kangxi era (1715), making it nearly 300 years old. The current structure was rebuilt in the 11th year of the Showa era and completed in the 15th year of Showa (1940). The Chenghuang Temple was originally founded in 1715 and underwent renovations in the 10th year of the Yongzheng era (1732). By the 29th year of the Qianlong era, due to deterioration, new magistrate Zhang was tasked with overseeing extensive repairs. Today’s temple was reconstructed by master craftsman Wang Jinmu from Quanzhou, featuring splendid architecture and a noble layout that showcases the distinctive artistry of wood carving. The octagonal coffered ceiling in the worship hall, the brackets in the main hall, and the secondary areas are all constructed using traditional mortise and tenon joinery, without the use of nails or metal, exemplifying exceptional craftsmanship. The temple preserves over ten antiques and plaques from the Qing Dynasty, which are extremely valuable. These include the “Taiyang Xianyoul” plaque, the only one granted by the emperor to any Chenghuang temple in Taiwan, a plaque presented by the Prince of Prince and Prime Minister Wang Delu inscribed “Dao Hong Hua Yu,” a monument erected by magistrate Zhang for the reconstruction of the Chenghuang Temple, and another erected by magistrate Fan Xueheng for the funding of incense lamps, among others. The temple's rebuilding by master craftsman Wang Jinmu maintains traditional architectural features and typifies the street-house style of temple configuration. The grandeur of the architectural regulations is evident, with the San Chuan Hall being exquisite and elegant, and the main hall presenting a solemn and dignified atmosphere that showcases the beauty of spatial order. In the worship hall’s waterwheel area, there are finely crafted ceramic works from masters Chen Zhuanyou and Lin Tianmu, adding significant artistic value. The painted door gods are created by renowned artisan Chen Yufeng, and the temple's deity statues, ridge decorations, colorful paintings, stone carvings, door gods, and wood carvings are all meticulously crafted.
