Cihua Temple Introduction
Liugui Village's Cihu Temple is dedicated to Donggong Zhenren, who is the guardian deity of the Weng clan in Yizhu Township. Records indicate that he was one of the guardian spirits when the Weng clan from Anxi, Fujian came to develop Erzhuwu Village during the late Qing Dynasty's Kangxi era. Born at the end of the Sui Dynasty and raised in Jiangnan, he was wise and perceptive from a young age. Disenchanted by the chaotic times, he regarded wealth and nobility as trivial and thus aspired to a life of asceticism. He practiced self-cultivation in Huxi, sought enlightenment in Jiaoling, achieved realization in southern Fujian, and spread Buddhism in Anxi, showcasing his divine presence in Tongcheng. Donggong Zhenren originally resided in the West, where he was an ancient Buddha. He descended to the East as a high monk, having gained early insights into Zen. He delved deeply into Taoist teachings, revealed intricate secrets, and achieved profound enlightenment, establishing a true nature of sublime clarity. With his heart steadfast in Buddhism, he cultivated virtue and subdued countless demons, allowing the pure land to flourish. He often opened convenient paths for practitioners and assisted in their crossing from the mundane world, elucidating the way for future learners. Thus, he was granted the title of the Compassionate Buddha of Salvation. His divine presence was notably recognized in the Anxi Kebang Jinbao Temple and later manifested in Cihu Temple, where he is affectionately called "Old Ancestor," among seven other Zhenren including Dong, Xu, Yang, Xu, Wu, Xue, and Zhao. The Weng clan in Yizhu Township predominantly descended from the Weng clan of Kebang, Anxi, which has thrived for nine generations. Donggong Zhenren's divine manifestation in Yizhu has undoubtedly offered protection to the Weng clan. In the late Qing Dynasty, descendants of Weng Guixi and Weng Binqi took turns to serve, and currently, two statues of Donggong Zhenren, known as Da Dong and San Dong, are enshrined in Cihu Temple while Er Dong is kept in Bixing Temple in Liugui Village. It is understood that during the late Kangxi era, when Donggong Zhenren was first venerated in Yizhu, he was worshiped in a public hall format. However, as descendants of Weng Guixi and Weng Binqi became successful, they established clan temples where he could be honored. The construction of Cihu Temple was motivated by Donggong Zhenren's miraculous manifestations and compassion. Devout patrons responded to the communal wish to build the temple, with Mr. Weng Xintai (the first provincial councilor) donating land, while local believers such as Weng Tianhua and Weng Guojing initiated the planning and design, adopting a Song Dynasty palace architecture style. Encouraged by the devotion of many donors, the temple was completed and inaugurated on an auspicious day in May of the 62nd year of the Republic of China. It was named Cihu Temple, and November 27 of the lunar calendar was designated as Donggong Zhenren's birthday. A stage for performances was built in the temple square, with an extension on the left side for meetings and hospitality purposes.
