Jinshan Cihou Temple Introduction
Cihu Temple, located on Xiajie Street in Jinshan, has a history of two hundred years and is the largest temple in Jinshan, primarily worshipping the Golden-faced Mazu. It serves as a center of faith for the local Jinshan community, often referred to as the "Great Temple." The intricate artistic expressions found in its foundation, roof, and structure are worth appreciating. The main hall features octagonal dragon pillars, which are exquisite examples of craftsmanship from the Qing Dynasty's Tongzhi period and are quite rare. The Mazu at Cihu Temple is divided into Da Ma (Big Mother) and Er Ma (Second Mother). Er Ma once drifted at sea until she was discovered at the Yehliu coast. Since the statue was only eight inches tall, the devout collected funds to carve a large Mazu statue, hiding the eight-inch statue inside it, which gave rise to the concept of "Mother among Mothers." Later, on the sixteenth day of the fourth lunar month, Er Ma makes a pilgrimage from Jinshan to Yehliu to "visit her parental home," becoming a unique celebratory event among Jinshan, Shimen, and Wanli.
