Cihua Temple Introduction
Liugui Village's Cihua Temple enshrines Dong Gong Zhenren, who is revered as the patron deity of the Weng clan in Yizhu Township. Historical records indicate that he is one of the guardian spirits of the Weng clan who settled in Erzhuwi Village during the late Kangxi era of the Qing dynasty, following the clan's migration from Anxi, Fujian. Born in the late Sui dynasty and raised in the Jiangnan region, he was endowed with exceptional talent from a young age. In the midst of chaotic times, he regarded wealth as trivial, leading him to pursue a life of asceticism. Thus, he secluded himself in Huxi and cultivated his spirit at Jiaoling, attaining enlightenment in Southern Fujian and ultimately realizing his true self. Dong Gong Zhenren was originally from the West and is considered an ancient Buddha who descended to the East as a high monk. He possessed deep understanding of Zen principles and pursued Daoist teachings, mastering profound mysteries, achieving clarity of true nature, and maintaining a tranquil mind. His virtues subdued numerous demons, allowing for a pure and leisurely existence, and he established convenient paths for others' salvation. He gained the title of Heavenly Sovereign of Compassion and Salvation after demonstrating his divine power throughout the Fujian Anxi Kegang region, later manifesting at Cihua Temple, where he is also known as the Ancestor. There are seven Zhenren, namely Dong, Xu, Yang, Xu, Wu, Xue, and Zhao. The majority of the Weng clan in Yizhu Township descended from the Anxi Kegang area, with a continuous lineage that has thrived for nine generations. Dong Gong Zhenren’s divine protection of the Weng clan in Yizhu is unquestionable. During the late Qing dynasty, descendants of Weng Guixi and Weng Binkei alternated in offering worship. Currently, two statues of Dong Gong Zhenren, known as Da Dong and San Dong, are housed in Cihua Temple, while Er Dong's statue is in Bixing Palace in Yizhu Village. It is understood that in the late Kangxi period of the Qing dynasty, Dong Gong Zhenren was initially worshipped in a public hall format. Later, thanks to the successful lineages of Weng Guixi and Weng Binkei, clansmen built ancestral halls where he could be enshrined. The construction of Cihua Temple was motivated by Dong Gong Zhenren's miraculous manifestations and compassionate salvation, responding to the call from virtuous believers to build a temple. Mr. Weng Xintai, the village head (the first provincial councilor), donated land, while local believers such as Weng Tianhua and Weng Guojing initiated design plans. Following the Song dynasty architectural style, the temple received donations from devout individuals and officially held its opening and fire-inauguration ceremony on a chosen auspicious date in May of the 62nd year of the Republic of China, thus named Cihua Temple. Every year, the 27th day of the 11th lunar month is celebrated as Dong Gong Zhenren's birthday. A stage for performances has been built in the temple's front square, and an additional wing has been expanded for meetings and hospitality purposes for devotees.
