Dazhi Zhipu Temple Introduction
Dazhi Zhifugong (Dazhi Temple) serves as the spiritual and belief center for the residents of the Dazhi area (including Zhongshan District, Neihu District, and Shilin District), and is also one of the international attractions for temple architecture and cultural tourism. Dazhi Zhifugong has a history of over 200 years and primarily worships the Taoist deity "Fude Zhengshen” (God of Wealth and Land). Following the system and spirit of Taoist temples, it enshrines auxiliary deities to promote Taoist teachings, establish popular faith, guide people towards good, purify society, and uphold traditional cultural morals while engaging in charitable activities. Additionally, Dazhi Zhifugong also worships other deities including Guanyin (Bodhisattva of Mercy), Mazu (Heavenly Mother), Baoyi Dafu (God of Protection), Baosheng Dadi, Wenchang Dijun (God of Culture), Guansheng Dijun (God of War), and the Five Lords of the Land (Wang Yeh). Throughout the year, it provides faithful believers with various auspicious lights, such as the Tai Sui Lights, Peace Lights, Bright Lights, Wenchang Lights, and Wealth Lights, for blessings and good fortune. Key events occur throughout the lunar calendar, including: - January 1: Head incense offering at 11:15 PM, celebrating blessings and divine favor. - January 10: New Year’s lighting ceremony for the "Tai Sui Star Lord, Peace Light, Bright Light, Wenchang Light, Wealth Light" for auspicious blessings. - January 15: Celebration of the heavenly official's birthday with a Prayer and Blessing Ritual. - February 2: Celebration of Fude Zhengshen's birthday with activities for the "Land God’s Birthday Celebration." - February 3: Birthday celebration for Wenchang Dijun. - February 19: Birthday celebration for Guanyin. - March 15: Birthday celebration for Baosheng Dadi. - March 23: Birthday celebration for Mazu with a Prayer and Blessing Ritual. - April 10: Birthday celebration for Baoyi Dafu. - April 17: Anniversary of the temple's establishment in Dazhi's land readjustment. - April 26: Birthday celebration for the Wang Yeh from the Five Lords. - June 15: Birthday celebration for another of the Five Lords. - June 19: Guanyin's enlightenment celebration. - June 24: Birthday celebration for Guansheng Dijun. - July 18: Mid-Year Festival "General Offering Ceremony." - July 19: Birthday celebration for the Tai Sui Star Lord. - August 15: Celebration of the Land God's ascension and the birthday of another of the Five Lords. - August 16: Fellowship banquet for longevity and prosperity. - September 15: Birthday celebration for another of the Five Lords. - October 15: Birthday celebration for the Water Official God with a Prayer and Blessing Ritual. - December 22: End of year lantern farewell, fulfilling merits. - On the second and sixteenth of each month: Sutra recitations and blessings for prosperity and auspiciousness. (Source: Dazhi Zhifugong)
