Zhinan Temple Introduction
Zhinan Temple is located at No. 115, Wanshou Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City, at the foothills of Mount Zhinan in Muzha, with an elevation of 285 meters. It was established in the 16th year of the Guangxu Emperor's reign during the Qing Dynasty (1890 AD) and was brought to Taiwan by Wang Binlin, the county magistrate of Tamsui, from the Yongle Palace in Shanxi. The temple area covers several dozen hectares, with ancient trees towering and dense shade providing coverage. The temple complex consists of five main halls: the Pure Yang Hall, the Lingxiao Hall, the Daxiong Hall, the Dacheng Hall, and the Ksitigarbha Hall. In addition to the auxiliary halls, including the Taisui Hall, the Jade Emperor Hall, the Three Purities Hall, the Doumu Hall, the Shanxi Holy Master Hall, and the Yuantong Hall, there are more than ten buildings in total, all constructed in a majestic and solemn style according to the terrain. The architecture mainly uses solid stone materials and is covered with copper tiles, allowing it to withstand the test of time for thousands of years. The halls are connected by long corridors, with pavilions and ponds where flowers bloom in all seasons, creating a refreshing atmosphere and captivating scenery. It is one of the most famous Taoist monasteries in Taiwan, known as the "First Sacred Mountain under Heaven." Due to its frequent hosting of large religious events and participation in international Taoist affairs, it has garnered a global reputation and become a world-class tourist attraction. Zhinan Temple primarily enshrines the Pure Yang Patriarch, Lü Dongbin, whose official Taoist name is "Fuyou Emperor," but is commonly referred to as "Xian Gong" or "Lü Zu" by the public. Lü Zu was a famous scholar during the Tang Dynasty, who excelled in poetry and had previously passed the imperial examination, serving as a county magistrate. Due to his deep devotion to Taoism, he encountered the Zhengyang Patriarch Zhongli Quan, who enlightened him through a grand dream, tested him with the transformation of stones into gold, and imparted the heart method, ultimately leading him to attain the Dao and achieve immortality. However, as he held a grand wish to "help all sentient beings," he often manifested in folk beliefs as a deity who "rescues the world and helps others," leaving behind many miraculous tales. There are dedicated temples and shrines honoring him across the country, with Zhinan Temple being one of the most popular destinations to visit. With the opening of the Maokong Gondola, transportation has become more convenient, and visitors are welcome at any time. Architectural features of Zhinan Temple include the use of camphor wood, blue stone, and copper tiles as the main construction materials, integrating northern palace styles, traditional Minnan styles, and features of Buddhism into its design. Among these, the Pure Yang Hall represents the later works of renowned Taiwanese master Chen Yingbin, while the Lingxiao Hall is the tallest structure in Taiwanese temples, adorned with auspicious clouds and mythical creatures, featuring exquisite dragon and phoenix decorations that are solemn and splendid. The Daxiong Hall has a unique shape resembling a Buddha's head, making it particularly special. The Ksitigarbha Hall presents an imposing image, flanked by eighteen Arhats, set in stunning surroundings. (Text source: Wenshan District Office, Taipei City)
