Guang'an Temple Introduction
Guang'an Temple was established quite early and is one of the ancient temples among the more than seventy temples dedicated to the Kaizhang Shengwang in Taiwan. It retains many ancient artifacts, particularly a pair of small stone lion candle holders with unique designs, which are rare and are said to be artifacts from the temple's founding, dating back over two hundred years. Inside the temple, the ornate altar features a gold dragon carving, brilliantly adorned, with the Kaizhang Shengwang seated majestically in the center, sporting a red face and long beard, exuding a commanding presence. The two generals, Fushun and Fuxin, stand on either side holding swords, their expressions solemn. The left altar is dedicated to Guanyin, the God of War, known for his righteousness and honor, while the right altar honors the amiable God of Wealth, protector of the community. It is said that during the Taisho era (1912-1926), the statues of the two kings (generals seated on a turtle) were taken to the Shanding Shengwang Temple (Bishanyan Kaizhang Shengwang Temple in Neihu) for a consecration ceremony. After the ceremony, the faithful placed the two kings' statues in a palanquin (carried by two people) to bring them back to the temple on Jinbao Street. However, the palanquin unexpectedly flew out of the temple and disappeared. The anxious devotees hurried back over the mountains and ridges, and upon reaching Gongguanlun (near Huantanli in Wanli District and adjacent to Guizai Mountain in Wuhu Village), they heard passersby say that a small palanquin with a statue had flown by toward Jinbao Street. By the time the devotees returned to the temple, they found the two kings' statues and the palanquin already on the altar, astonishing the faithful. To this day, the annual Gongguanlun temple fair includes a welcoming of the two kings to receive worship in that area.
