Mengjia Qingshan Temple Introduction
Zhang Gun, a general under Sun Quan of the Three Kingdoms, achieved great success in governing Quanzhou Hui'an. After his death, the local area established Qingshan Temple to honor him, and he was revered as King Qingshan or Ling'an Zunwang. King Qingshan has long been believed to have the power to dispel plagues, overseeing justice and punishing both good and evil. The deities worshiped alongside him include the Eight Officials, General Jia, and General Suo. Mengjia Qingshan Temple has over a hundred years of history and is a wooden-stone mixed temple with three courtyards. It has undergone multiple renovations, showcasing exquisite features like the octagonal coffered ceiling. The materials used in the renovations have significant stories behind them; for instance, the stone pillars and stone stacks in the front temple were derived from the materials left over from Yuanshan Shrine. Additionally, the statue of King Qingshan has sharp eyes, and its gaze differs from every angle, allowing visitors to experience this personally. The 23rd day of the 10th lunar month is the birthday of King Qingshan. According to legend, two days prior, King Qingshan leads his troops to inspect the streets and alleys of the Mengjia area, blessing the local people with safety. On the 22nd, a lively nighttime procession featuring the king's palanquin takes place, with many performances, including traditional Eight Generals, drum formations, and bands. Households set up altars and offerings along the roadside, marking what is known as the "Mengjia Grand Worship," which is recognized as one of the three major temple fairs in Taipei City alongside Dadaocheng Xia Hai City God Temple and Baosheng Dadi’s procession.
