Songshan Ciyu Temple Introduction
Ciyou Temple was built in 1753, making it over 200 years old, and primarily worships Mazu, the goddess of the sea. According to legend, after Mazu achieved immortality, she frequently rescued distressed ships at sea, making her a widely revered deity in Taiwan. The temple's architecture is a six-story square structure, with the main hall, San Chuan Hall, being quite solemn and majestic. The roof features two dragons facing the Three Immortals of Good Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity, symbolizing blessings. Inside San Chuan Hall, there is a stone lion sculpture from 1803, which was once discarded during renovations but was later rediscovered and placed in front of San Chuan Hall. It features the rare depiction of a "male lion with an open mouth and a female lion with a closed mouth," making it a treasure of the temple. In addition to the stone carvings, the wood sculptures here are vividly colored, depicting flowers, animals, and figures that are lifelike, contributing to the opulent feel of the temple. Ciyou Temple has always been a spiritual refuge for the residents of Xikou Thirteen Streets. Every year on March 23, which marks the birthday of the Heavenly Mother, the Thirteen Streets community collaborates with Ciyou Temple to organize three routes (East, South, and North), where shops and residences prepare offerings or fresh flowers and fruits to welcome Mazu's procession, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the Songshan District. In recent years, Ciyou Temple remains a focal point in the area, especially with the nearby Raohe Street Night Market, which naturally adds to the bustling vibe.
