Neimen Zizhu Temple Introduction
The Neimen Zizhu Temple, with a history of over 300 years, was originally the guardian deity of the Guo family. A legendary story about the Bodhisattva Guanyin’s "flying incense burner" led the villagers to jointly build the temple, which has since gained a reputation throughout southern and northern Taiwan. Many devotees visit seeking blessings, and the temple has undergone several renovations, becoming one of the most historically significant and largest "Guanyin temples" in the province. Neimen Zizhu Temple is not only a center of faith for the Neimen District but also an important temple for believers across Taiwan seeking to pray for blessings. The temple hosts grand ceremonies on the 19th day of the second, sixth, and ninth lunar months, celebrating the Buddha's birthday, enlightenment, and ordination, attracting massive crowds of worshippers and energizing the once-quiet Neimen area. Surrounded by lush greenery, the temple features picturesque scenery with small bridges and flowing water, and the artificial spring water from the lotus flower clock often keeps visitors lingering. According to tradition, during the reign of Emperor Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty, a Guo family immigrant moved to Taiwan and settled on the south side of Fanziluo. One day, the incense burner dedicated to the Guanyin Bodhisattva flew out multiple times on its own, landing on the branches of a guava tree at the current site of Zizhu Temple. This location is known in feng shui as a "lotus pit," and the locals considered it a miracle. Consequently, they decided to build a temple there to worship the Bodhisattva Guanyin. Over time, several other miracles occurred, leading the residents to show deep devotion to this temple. The continuous incense offerings have created a remarkable atmosphere. The main deity worshiped here is Guanyin. During the Qianlong era, a naval commander passed by and noticed the thriving incense offerings, describing it as a marvel. He knelt and worshipped, and thus a plaque was inscribed reading "Zizhu Sheng Chun," officially giving the temple its name, which is now well-preserved in the temple. Neimen Nanhai Zizhu Temple - Song Jiang Battle Array. The Neimen District of Kaohsiung is known as a home of traditional performing arts, boasting the most folk art performances in the country. The most renowned among them is the Neimen Song Jiang Battle Array, which originates from the Luohanmen procession accompanying the Buddha's pilgrimage and has a history of over 200 years. It has been designated as one of Taiwan's religious landmarks. Annual performances are held in alternating locations, including Neimen Zizhu Temple, Shunxian Temple, and Nanhai Zizhu Temple.
