Chiayi Shrine Temizuya Introduction
The "Chōzu-sha" of the Chiayi Shrine, which had been dry for almost half a century, has been restored! Located across from the Chiayi City Historical Relics Museum, the history of the Chiayi Shrine dates back to 1911 when the Japanese promoted the State Shinto and the Japanization movement, leading to the construction of the Chiayi Shrine by the Chiayi Office. The Chiayi Shrine consists of two generations; the first generation was opened in 1915, located in front of the current Shè Rì Tǎ (Shooting Sun Tower). Due to the high number of worshippers, a second generation shrine was later built. The historical site encompasses the ruins of the first generation shrine, the ritual instrument storehouse, the Chōzu-sha, a resting area (sanctuary), the purification hall, and the shrine office. The Chōzu-sha of the second generation Chiayi Shrine was completed in 1945 and is an independent four-column garden structure. It features an octagonal overflow basin with a stone basin inside, equipped with a long-handled water scoop, allowing worshippers to wash their hands and rinse their mouths for purification. To protect the heritage site, city water has been introduced, and automatic sensor facilities have been installed to provide running water, enabling visitors to experience the purification steps commonly observed in Japanese shrines. It is hoped that with the restoration of water, more people visiting the Chiayi City Historical Relics Museum will gain a deeper understanding of the shrine’s historical and cultural significance. Inside the Chōzu-sha, explanatory signs have been set up to help visitors understand the usage steps: 1. Use your right hand to take the long scoop and draw water (each person can only take water once), and wash your left hand. 2. Transfer the scoop to your left hand and wash your right hand. 3. Transfer the scoop back to your right hand, pour water into your left palm to rinse your mouth (or symbolically dab your lips with water). 4. Hold the scoop upright and wash the handle with the remaining water. 5. Finally, place the scoop back in its original position for the next person to use. Those who have never experienced a Japanese Chōzu-sha are welcome to visit the Chiayi City Historical Relics Museum for this experience. After finishing, please return the wooden water scoop to its original place, allowing the next visitor to experience the ritual of purification.
