Shanquang Temple, New Beitou Introduction
Shankō-ji Temple, unlike other temples with elaborate decorations, has a very simple exterior. Although Shankō-ji is not usually open to the public, during the cherry blossom season, visitors can enjoy the cold cherry and mountain cherry blossoms at the entrance steps, complemented by two stone lanterns at the entrance, offering a unique experience, making it another hidden gem for cherry blossom viewing in Beitou. Beitou Shankō-ji Temple, part of the Pure Land sect's West Mountain Deep Grass faction, served as a center of faith for Japanese immigrants at that time. The temple's stupa, which enshrines the relics of Shakyamuni Buddha brought from Japan, is quite famous. Beitou Shankō-ji originates from the Shinano Shankō-ji in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, established in the 21st year of the Republic of China (1932) by the 117th Priest, Shingen Shōnin, who chose this site. The first abbot was Nakano Zenneng Shōnin. In the 35th year of the Republic of China, early in the restoration of Taiwan, the temple's teachings continued under Master Jing Kong. In the 48th year of the Republic of China, the Japanese-style shrine was destroyed in the "August 7 Flood," leading to the construction of a new hall in the 51st year. In September of that same year, the stupa to enshrine the relics of Shakyamuni Buddha was completed, which is the most significant feature of the temple. Shankō-ji primarily enshrines Shakyamuni Buddha, thus in the Shakyamuni Hall, the Three Treasures Buddha (Shakyamuni Buddha, Bhaisajyaguru, and Amitabha) are worshiped, while the Amitabha Hall houses Amitabha Buddha. Since the monks practice inside the temple on regular days, it is not open for worship, only on festive occasions. Among the most notable features of Shankō-ji is the stupa built in the 51st year of the Republic of China, modeled after Indian temple architecture, divided into three tiers, named Buddha, Treasure, and Stupa, with the top tier housing the Shakyamuni Buddha relics sourced from Japan, and the middle and bottom layers serving as spirit towers. The stupa is adorned with bronze bells around it. Four dragons guard the middle tier, exhibiting majesty, while golden lotus flowers decorate each corner. Additionally, Shankō-ji retains many remnants left by the Japanese, such as the stone statues at the main gate of the Amitabha Hall and eighty-six stone Buddha sculptures. Moreover, the temple courtyard features a "Okamoto Monument of Gratitude," commemorating the discovery of Hokutolite, a radiation-rich mineral, by Japanese mineralogist Yaohachiro Okamoto in the Beitou Valley near New Beitou in 1905. In 1940, Takata Fujiyama erected the "Okamoto Monument of Gratitude" in Beitou, which has undergone numerous twists and turns to be preserved within Shankō-ji, serving as the best witness to the history of Hokutolite. (Source: Japanese-style Beitou - Pilgrimage Exploration)
