Cilong Temple Introduction
Cilong Temple, primarily dedicated to Guanyin (the Goddess of Mercy), features the accompanying deities Shancai (the Good Talent) and Liangnu (the Good Woman), as well as the secondary deities of Zhushen Niangniang and Tudigong. It represents a folk belief that blends both Buddhist and Taoist traditions in Taiwan, originally named Guanyin Pavilion. The faith dates back to the 41st year of the Qianlong reign (1776) when Han ancestors from Putuo Mountain in Zhejiang, China, brought the worship to Taiwan. After a major earthquake in Chiayi in the 39th year of the Meiji era (1906), which destroyed the Guanyin Pavilion, local residents, including Ye Fa and Huang Xian, initiated a fundraising campaign to rebuild on the original site. In the 13th year of the Showa era (1938), during the Japanese government's promotion of the assimilation movement and Shinto beliefs, the Guanyin Pavilion was merged into the Chenghuang Temple under the concept of "one village, one temple." In 1947, after fundraising efforts by devotees like Zeng Mu, the current Cilong Temple was rebuilt. There is a notable connection between Lin Yushan, a master of Chinese painting, and Cilong Temple. Guanyin chose the location for the temple, and local residents contributed both funds and labor for its construction. Lin, who lived nearby and was then a fine arts teacher at the National Chiayi High School, actively participated in the temple's decorations, including the five unique wet wall paintings featuring animal themes that symbolize good fortune. These paintings are the only authentic work of a master in Taiwan and are considered a rare treasure. The wet wall paintings represent Lin's last group of works before leaving Chiayi and are the only wet wall paintings he created for a religious building. Wet Wall Painting Description: The wet wall painting of Cilong Temple is made on a bamboo-woven mud wall, using bamboo as a framework. Clay (soil) is mixed with rice husks, straw, and glutinous rice as a binder. Once dried, it is smoothed with lime powder. The painting is done while the outer lime layer is still wet. The challenge lies in completing the work before the lime dries, as the paint may easily seep through and cannot be wiped or adjusted. Cilong Temple Wet Wall Painting Introductions: - Cloud Dragon: Spirit fills the air, supreme under heaven and earth, dragon descends bringing auspiciousness, blessings fill the world. - Receiving Heavenly Blessings: Receiving heavenly blessings, no lack of clothing and food, wealth and nobility will come, lifetime of glory. - Eternal Nobility: Blessings last for eternity, wealth and nobility conferred, pine and cypress evergreen, auspicious and as desired. - Granting Bountiful Blessings: The immortal crane heralds auspiciousness, five blessings are complete, longevity of pines and cranes, great blessings under heaven. - Eight Spirited Horses: Eight spirited steeds, success comes at a gallop, life is vigorous, everything goes smoothly. Remarks: Guided tours can be arranged by calling 05-2774488.
