Cilong Temple Introduction
Cilong Temple is dedicated to Guanyin (Avalokitesvara), with accompanying figures of Shancai and Liangnv, and also houses the statues of the Pregnancy Goddess and the Earth God. It represents a folk belief that blends Buddhist and Taoist deities, originally named Guanyin Pavilion, with faith dating back to the 41st year of the Qianlong reign (1776), when Han Chinese ancestors from Putuo Mountain in Zhejiang brought the belief to Taiwan. In the 39th year of the Meiji period (1906), a major earthquake struck Chiayi, causing the Guanyin Pavilion to collapse. At that time, individuals such as Ye Fa and Huang Xian initiated fundraising for the reconstruction at the original site. In the 13th year of the Showa era (1938), the Japanese government implemented the Kamikaze Movement and Shinto beliefs in Taiwan, consolidating the Guanyin Pavilion into Chenghuang Temple under the concept of "one street, one temple." In 1947, after donations from believers led by Zeng Mu, they purchased the current site to rebuild Cilong Temple. The connection between Lin Yushan, the national painting master, and Cilong Temple is significant; it is said that Guanyin chose the site for the temple, with local residents contributing funds and labor for its construction. Lin Yushan, who lived nearby and was then a fine arts teacher at National Chiayi Senior High School, actively participated in the temple's design and was responsible for the decorative paintings, among which are five animal-themed ink wash frescoes, symbolizing good fortune. These are the only authentic pieces by the master in Taiwan and are considered rare treasures. The frescoes were the last works Lin completed before leaving Chiayi and are uniquely created for a religious building. The frescoes, known as wet frescoes (Cilong Temple), are made using a bamboo framework with mud (soil) mixed with rice husks, straw, and sticky rice as an adhesive. After drying, they are smoothed with lime powder, and painted while the outer lime layer is still wet. The challenge lies in completing the work before the lime dries, as the pigments can penetrate easily and cannot be wiped or altered. Introduction to Cilong Temple Wet Frescoes: Cloud Dragon: Radiating spiritual energy, the supreme of heaven and earth, the dragon brings auspiciousness and fills the world with blessings. Receiving Heaven's Bounty: Receiving heaven’s bounty, lacking none in clothing or food, wealth and nobility are bestowed, a lifetime of glory. Eternal Noble Title: Blessings and fortune for eternity, wealth and noble titles, evergreen pines and cypresses, bringing auspiciousness. Bringing Great Blessings: Crane portends auspiciousness, with all five blessings complete, pines and cranes signify longevity, and great blessings fill the heavens. Eight Galloping Horses: Eight steeds embody vigor, success comes quickly, life is thriving, and everything goes smoothly. Note: Tours can be booked; please call 05-2774488.
