Bangka Qingshan Temple Introduction
General Zhang Gun of Sun Quan in the Three Kingdoms successfully governed Huian in Quanzhou. After his death, a temple named Qingshan Temple was established to honor him, and he is revered as King Qingshan or Ling'an Zun Wang. King Qingshan is believed to have the power to eliminate plagues, overseeing justice and the rewards and punishments of good and evil, with accompanying deities including the Eight Divisions, General Jia, and General Suo. Mengjia Qingshan Temple has a history of over a hundred years and is a three-section temple made of wood and stone, undergoing multiple renovations, showcasing remarkable beauty such as its octagonal caisson ceiling. The materials used in the renovations also have significant stories, such as the stone columns and stone piles in the front hall, which were sourced from the stones left by the Yuanshan Shrine. Additionally, the statue of King Qingshan has sharp eyes that give different impressions from various angles, allowing visitors to experience it firsthand. The birthday of King Qingshan is celebrated on the 23rd day of the tenth month in the lunar calendar, with legends stating that two days prior, King Qingshan leads his generals to inspect the streets of Mengjia, blessing the local people with peace. On the 22nd, a lively nighttime procession of the deity's palanquin takes place, featuring many performances such as Eight Generals, drum ensembles, and bands. Families set up incense altars and offerings along the streets, referred to as the "Mengjia Grand Worship," and it is one of the three major temple fairs in Taipei City, alongside the Xiahai City God Temple in Dihua Street and the Baosheng Dadi parade.
