Jiuhua Mountain Ksitigarbha Monastery Introduction
The prosperous Jiu Hua Shan Dizang An! Jiu Hua Shan Dizang An, formerly known as "Jia Yi Bei Yue Dian Dizang Wang - Jiu Hua Shan Dizang An," enshrines the Earth Store Bodhisattva in its main hall. The Daxiong Baodian enshrines Shakyamuni Buddha, with the front yard featuring the Tai Sui Hall and the Wenchang Hall. The Great Compassion Hall is dedicated to Avalokiteshvara, while the Amitabha Hall enshrines Amitabha Buddha, and the Medicine Master Hall is dedicated to Bhaisajyaguru. The upper-level Da Yuan Hall enshrines the Four Great Vows of the Earth Store Bodhisattva. The temple's Earth Store Bodhisattva is said to be crafted by the renowned pottery master Ye Wang from Jiaozhi, with a dignified and compassionate visage. Frequently manifesting miraculous assistance and blessing the local community, it has become a significant center of faith. The annual ceremonies include the Shangyuan Festival, Zhongyuan Festival, and Xiayuan Festival, each attracting tens of thousands of participants, showcasing its vibrancy. Jiu Hua Shan Dizang An is known for its charitable relief efforts, benefiting the public and comforting the hearts of the people. The statue of the Earth Store Bodhisattva and the Ten Yama Kings in the temple are both ancient artifacts of great value. Historical Trivia: The golden statue of the Earth Store Bodhisattva at Jiu Hua Shan was brought to Taiwan by a benefactor from the late Ming Dynasty and was enshrined at its current location in the 36th year of the Kangxi era (1697), making it over 300 years old. In the 56th year of the Kangxi era (1717), the North Route Guarding Officer You Chonggong built the temple, and it was expanded by County Magistrate Li Tan in the 25th year of the Qianlong era (1760), gradually taking shape. After several renovations, it was rebuilt into a seven-story Lotus Treasure Hall in the 60th year of the Republic.
