Mengjia Qingshan Temple Introduction
Zhang Gun, the general of Sun Quan from the Three Kingdoms period, effectively governed Quanzhou's Huitong. After his death, a temple called Qingshan Temple was established to honor him, and he was revered as King Qingshan or Ling An Zun Wang. King Qingshan is believed to have the divine power to eliminate plagues, overseeing justice and rewarding or punishing people based on their deeds. The gods accompanying him in rituals include the Eight Lords, General Jia, and General Suo. Mengxia Qingshan Temple has a history of over a hundred years and is a three-part wood-stone mixed structure that has undergone multiple renovations, displaying exquisite features like an octagonal coffered ceiling. The materials used for the renovations also have many stories, such as the stone pillars and stone stacks in the front hall, which are made from materials left behind by the Yuanshan Shrine. Additionally, the statue of King Qingshan has sharp eyes, and depending on the angle from which it is viewed, it creates different impressions, allowing the public to experience it in person. The 23rd day of the 10th month of the lunar calendar is celebrated as King Qingshan's birthday, and it is said that two days prior, King Qingshan leads his officers to patrol the streets and alleys of Mengxia to bless the local people with safety. On the 22nd, there is a lively night procession of the king's palanquin, featuring various performances such as folk heroes, drum formations, and bands, with households setting up incense tables and offerings along the roadside. This event is known as the "Mengxia Grand Worship," and is considered one of the three major temple fairs in Taipei, alongside the festivals at Ciyou Temple and Baosheng Temple.
