Shuangci Temple Introduction
Shuangci Temple, located on Sanmin Road in Fengshan, is the oldest temple in the Fengshan District, with a history spanning over three hundred years. Its origins can be traced back to the late Ming Dynasty when it was first established as "Guanyin Pavilion," worshipping Guanyin as the main deity. In the 18th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1753), the front hall was expanded, and the Mazu (Heavenly Mother) was invited from Quanzhou for worship, causing Guanyin to retreat to the rear hall. Since both main deities are female, devotees express their gratitude for their compassion, and the temple is commonly referred to as "Shuangci Pavilion." Locally, it is known as "Mazu Temple," "Tianhou Palace," or "Grand Temple." The temple was established earlier than the Longshan Temple, which is classified as a secondary historical monument, and it has a flourishing incense business, attracting a steady stream of devotees. The unique location of Shuangci Temple at the intersection with Sanmin Road Furniture Street is said to be a "Mother Hen's Nest" in feng shui, making it suitable for building a temple with female deities, akin to a hen protecting its chicks. Although its exterior has undergone multiple renovations and lost its original appearance, the interior still preserves many plaques, couplets, and stone tablets, which are filled with historical significance, making it one of the most important temples in the hearts of the people of Fengshan.
