Songshan Ciyou Temple Introduction
Ciyou Temple was built in 1753, with a history of over 200 years, and primarily worships Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea. According to legend, after attaining immortality, Mazu frequently helps ships in distress at sea, making her a widely revered deity in Taiwan. The temple features a six-story square structure, with the main hall, the San Chuan Hall, being particularly majestic. The roof is adorned with twin dragons symbolizing the blessings of good fortune, prosperity, and longevity. Inside the San Chuan Hall, there is a stone lion dating back to 1803; after several renovations, it was once discarded in another location but was later rediscovered and placed in front of the San Chuan Hall. The lions display the unique traditional representation of a "male lion with an open mouth and a female lion with a closed mouth," which is rare in Taiwan, making it a treasure of the temple. In addition to the stone sculptures, the wood carvings here are vibrant and lifelike, depicting flowers, animals, and figures, exuding a sense of magnificence typical of temple architecture. Ciyou Temple has long been a spiritual refuge for the residents of Shikou Thirteen Alleys. Every year on March 23, to celebrate Mazu's birthday, the Thirteen Alleys community organizes three processional routes—East, South, and North—in conjunction with Ciyou Temple, with shops and homes along the way setting up altars and preparing offerings of live animals or fresh flowers and fruits to welcome Mazu's巡遊, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the Songshan District. In recent years, Ciyou Temple has remained a focal point of the local community, not to mention its proximity to Raohe Street Night Market, which adds to the vibrant atmosphere.
