Zhinan Temple Introduction
The Zhinan Temple is located at No. 115, Wanshou Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City, at the foot of the Zhinan Mountain in Muzha, with an elevation of 285 meters. It was established in the 16th year of the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty (1890 AD) by Wang Binlin, the county magistrate of Tamsui, who brought the faith from Yongle Palace in Shanxi to Taiwan. The temple area covers several dozen hectares, with ancient trees towering above, providing a shady environment. The temple consists of five main halls: the Pure Yang Treasure Hall, the Lingxiao Treasure Hall, the Great Hero Treasure Hall, the Great Achievement Treasure Hall, and the Ksitigarbha Treasure Hall. In addition to the auxiliary halls such as the Taisui Hall, the Jade Emperor Hall, the Three Pure Ones Hall, the Doumu Hall, the Shanxi Holy Image Treasure Hall, and the Yuantong Treasure Hall, there are more than ten structures built against the mountain. These buildings are grand and solemn, primarily constructed using sturdy stone and covered with copper tiles, allowing them to endure for thousands of years. A long corridor connects the two main halls, with pavilions and ponds where flowers bloom throughout the seasons, creating a refreshing atmosphere and captivating scenery. It is the most famous Taoist monastery in Taiwan, known as "the first spiritual mountain under heaven." Due to its frequent hosting of large-scale religious activities and participation in international Taoist affairs, it has gained a far-reaching reputation and has become a world-class tourist attraction. Zhinan Temple is primarily dedicated to the worship of the Pure Yang Patriarch Lü Dongbin, whose formal title in Taoism is "Fuyou Emperor," but is commonly referred to as "Xian Gong" or "Lü Zu" by the public. Lü Zu was a contemporary of the Tang Dynasty, well-versed in literature, and once passed the imperial examination to become a county magistrate. Due to his sincere devotion to Taoism, he encountered the Patriarch Zhongli Quan, who enlightened him through a dream involving golden millet, tested him by turning stones into gold, and taught him the essential methods, ultimately leading him to achieve the Great Dao and ascend to the ranks of immortals. However, driven by a grand aspiration to "save all living beings," he frequently manifests to assist people, earning him many miraculous tales as a Taoist deity. Temples dedicated to him can be found all over the country, with Zhinan Temple being the most beloved among visitors. Since the opening of the Maokong Gondola, transportation has become more convenient, and tourists are welcome at any time. In terms of architectural features, all buildings in Zhinan Temple are primarily constructed with camphor wood, blue stone, and copper tiles, blending design elements from Northern palaces, traditional Minnan styles, and Buddhist influences. The Pure Yang Treasure Hall is a later representative work of the traditional Taiwanese master Chen Yingbin, while the Lingxiao Treasure Hall is the tallest building in Taiwanese temples, adorned with clouds and mythical beasts, carved dragons, and phoenixes, exhibiting grandeur and elegance. The Great Hero Treasure Hall resembles a Buddha's head in shape, which is particularly special. The Ksitigarbha Treasure Hall has a solemn appearance, surrounded by the Eighteen Arhats, and features beautiful scenery. (Source: Wenshan District Office, Taipei City)
