Yonglian Temple Introduction
Yonglian Temple is located at the intersection of Dexing Street and Chenggong Road in the center of Luzhou District, and is named "Yonglian" because the area is associated with the Lotus Hole. Luzhou was formerly known as "Monk's Cottages," as the land was once managed by monks, hence the name "Monk's Island." The main altar enshrines a statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva of the South Sea, accompanied by deities such as Shancai, Dragon Girl, Weituo, and Kālacakra. It serves as a center of faith for the local community. The overall structure consists of Yonglian Temple in the front and Maode Palace at the back, forming a combined temple complex. The temple features decorations made from techniques such as cut clay sculptures, paintings, wood carving, and stone carving, with a unique feature being the numerous flying musicians, which are rare in other temples. In front of Maode Palace, there is a bronze relief that occupies an entire wall, depicting historical scenes of Zheng Chenggong, using large modern bronze reliefs. Outside the entrance, there are two Buddhist guardian deities on each side: to the left, a Weituo holding a pillar; to the right, a Kālacakra with a spear, each nearly one zhang tall. Yonglian Temple began as a small thatched cottage but underwent renovations within ten years and has been rebuilt four times, becoming the magnificent temple it is today. Every year, from the 17th to the 19th day of the ninth month of the lunar calendar, known as the "Buddha's Ordination Anniversary," Yonglian Temple holds grand celebrations. Especially on the 18th, a pilgrimage event called "Luzhou Grand Worship" takes place, attracting various temple groups from different areas, making it a lively local festival in Luzhou.
