Cilong Temple Introduction
Cilong Temple is dedicated to Guanyin Bodhisattva, accompanied by Shancai and Liangnu. It also houses the deities of Zhurang Niangniang and Tudigong. This temple represents the folk belief in the mixed worship of Buddhist and Taoist deities in Taiwan. Originally named Guanyin Pavilion, the faith began in the 41st year of the Qianlong period (1776), when Han Chinese ancestors from Putuo Mountain in Zhejiang, China, brought the deity to Taiwan. In the 39th year of the Meiji period (1906), a major earthquake struck Chiayi, damaging Guanyin Pavilion, leading individuals like Ye Fa and Huang Xian to initiate fundraising for reconstruction at the original site. In the 13th year of the Showa period (1938), during the Imperial Japan's movement for assimilating Taiwanese culture and promoting Shinto beliefs, Guanyin Pavilion was merged into Chenghuang Temple under the concept of "one street, one temple." In 1947, devotees collected donations and purchased the current site to rebuild Cilong Temple. The connection between Lin Yushan, a master of traditional Chinese painting, and Cilong Temple stems from a divine decree by Guanyin Bodhisattva to construct the temple at this location, with local residents contributing funds and labor for its construction. Lin Yushan, who lived nearby and was a fine arts teacher at the National Chiayi Senior High School at that time, actively participated in the temple construction and was responsible for its interior paintings and calligraphy. Among these are five ink wash murals, all featuring animal themes that signify auspiciousness, making them a unique treasure in Taiwan, as they are the only true works of a master in this style. The wet murals were the last set of works completed by Lin Yushan before leaving Chiayi and are the only wet murals he created for religious buildings. Wet murals (Cilong Temple) refer to walls made of bamboo strips with mud coated over; the mud is mixed with rice husks, straw, and glutinous rice as an adhesive. After drying, lime powder is used to smooth the surface, and before the outer layer of lime dries, it is painted, hence the term "wet murals." The difficulty lies in the need to complete it within a short time (before the lime dries, as the pigments can easily seep, and they cannot be wiped or altered). Introduction to Cilong Temple Wet Murals: - Cloud Dragon: Spiritual energy manifesting, supremacy of heaven and earth, the dragon brings auspiciousness and fills the world with blessings. - Receiving Heaven's Blessings: Receiving abundant blessings from heaven, lacking nothing in clothing and food, acquiring wealth and nobility, and living in glory throughout life. - Eternal Nobility: Great blessings and riches for all eternity, being honored with nobility, with evergreen pines and cypresses signifying auspiciousness and harmony. - Bestowing Great Blessings: Immortal cranes signify auspiciousness, with all five blessings fulfilled, symbolizing longevity alongside pines and cranes, and great blessings to all. - Eight Galloping Horses: The heroic wind of the eight steeds brings immediate success, vigorous life, and smooth sailing in all endeavors. Note: Guided tours can be reserved by calling 05-2774488.
