Wenxing Temple Introduction
Deity: Qing Shui Zu Shi; Location: Weixin Village, formerly known as Zhuzi Port, is one of the earlier developed areas in Yong'an. The temple, Wencheng Temple, was built in the tenth year of the Jiaqing reign (1805) by devotees who pooled their resources. It mainly worships Qing Shui Zu Shi (Black-faced Ancestral Master), who is regarded as the second ancestor, with devotees commonly referring to him as "Old Ancestor." The rear hall enshrines the Three Saints of the Western Paradise (Amitābha, Guanyin, and Mahāsthāmaprāpta), Manjushri, and Samantabhadra. For over 200 years, despite the erosion from wind and rain that has aged the temple, numerous devotees continue to arrive for blessings. During the Japanese occupation, villagers hid the statue to prevent it from being destroyed by the Japanese. However, due to long-term neglect and damage, the temple was rebuilt in the 67th year of the Republic of China, taking three years to complete. In the 93rd year of the Republic of China, the front and rear halls were renovated again. The gate gods were painted by the temple's master painter, Pan Lishui, and an ancient plaque reading "Understanding Zen" is preserved in the temple. Every year on the sixth day of the first lunar month is the birthday of Qing Shui Zu Shi, and during the birthday celebration from the fifth to the seventh day of the first lunar month, around 200 large tour buses and countless small vehicles come to pay their respects. Most of the devotees come from the Dongshan District and the intersection of Baihe District and Chiayi County. Additionally, every four to six years, a prayer ritual known as "Qing An Qing Jiao" is held, where Qing Shui Zu Shi leads a group of no more than 100 devotees, all on a vegetarian diet, walking for seven days and six nights to Biyun Temple to pay respects and pray for national prosperity and peace, as well as favorable weather.
