Zhinan Temple Introduction
The Zhinan Temple is located at No. 115, Wanshou Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City, at the foot of Zhinan Mountain in Muzha, with an elevation of 285 meters. It was established in the 16th year of the Guangxu era during the Qing Dynasty (1890 AD), when Wang Binlin, the magistrate of Tamsui, brought the spirit from Yongle Palace in Shanxi to Taiwan. The temple area covers several dozen hectares, featuring towering ancient trees that provide dense shade. The temple comprises five main halls: the Pure Yang Treasure Hall, the Lingxiao Treasure Hall, the Great Hero Treasure Hall, the Great Accomplishment Treasure Hall, and the King of Earth Treasure Hall; in addition to subsidiary halls such as the Tai Sui Hall, the Jade Emperor Hall, the Three Pure Ones Hall, the Doumu Hall, the Shanxi Holy Master Treasure Hall, and the Yuántōng Treasure Hall, totaling over ten buildings that are all built into the mountainside. The architecture is grand and solemn, primarily constructed with sturdy stone materials and covered with copper tiles, allowing it to withstand the test of time. There are long corridors connecting the halls, pavilions, and ponds, with flowers blooming all year round, fresh air, and captivating scenery, making it one of the most renowned Taoist sanctuaries in Taiwan, known as the “First Sacred Mountain of the World.” Due to its frequent hosting of various 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 primarily enshrines the Pure Yang Patriarch, Lü Dongbin, who is referred to in Taoism as “Fuyou Dijun,” but colloquially known as “Xiangong” or “Lü Zu.” Lü Zu was a historical figure from the Tang Dynasty who was well-read, passed the imperial examination, and served as a county magistrate. Due to his sincere devotion to the Tao, he encountered the orthodox master, Zhongli Quan, who enlightened him through a vivid dream, tested him with the alchemy of turning stone into gold, and imparted to him the secret teachings, ultimately leading him to achieve the great Tao and ascend to immortality. However, because of his grand aspiration to “deliver all beings,” he often manifests in folk traditions as a savior, is known for miraculous deeds, and has specialized temples and altars dedicated to him across the country, with Zhinan Temple being the most favored site for worship. The opening of the Maokong Gondola has made transportation more convenient, and visitors are welcomed at any time. Architectural features include the use of camphor wood, blue slate, and copper tiles as the main materials for all constructions at Zhinan Temple, combining the architectural styles of northern palaces and traditional Minnan design with Buddhist characteristics. Among them, the Pure Yang Treasure Hall is the later representative work of traditional master Chen Yingbin in Taiwan, the Lingxiao Treasure Hall is the tallest temple building in Taiwan, adorned with mythological creatures and dragons, which is particularly magnificent. The Great Hero Treasure Hall has a shape reminiscent of a Buddha's head, which is especially unique. The King of Earth Treasure Hall features a solemn appearance, surrounded by the Eighteen Arhats, with beautiful scenery. (Source: Wenshan District Office, Taipei City)
