Cihua Temple Introduction
Liugui Village's Cihua Temple enshrines Master Dong Gong, who is venerated as a protector among the Weng clan in Yizhu Township. Historical records indicate that he was one of the guardian deities when the Weng clan from Anxi, Fujian, settled in the Erzhuwai Village during the late years of the Kangxi Emperor's reign. Born in the late Sui Dynasty and raised in the Jiangnan region, Master Dong Gong displayed extraordinary talent from a young age, viewing wealth and power as mere illusions amid the chaotic times. This led him to aspire to a life of purity and seclusion. He practiced self-discipline in Huxi, cultivated himself in Jiaoling, attained enlightenment in Southern Fujian, and manifested his spiritual presence in Tongcheng. Master Dong Gong originally resided in the Western Heaven as an ancient Buddha who descended to the East as a high monk. He gained deep insights into Zen and Daoist teachings, expounding the subtle mysteries of truth and nature. He attained a refined state of being, mastering the principles of Dao, subduing various evil spirits, and establishing a pure land. He frequently opened accessible paths for practitioners, guiding them. Thus, he was honored as the Jade-Sealed Compassionate Savior of Virtue, later becoming revered in the Anxi Kegang Jinbao Palace and manifesting spirit in Cihua Temple, where he is also referred to as "Laozu." Notably, there are seven revered figures, including Dong, Xu, Yang, Xu, Wu, Xue, and Zhao. Most members of the Weng clan in Yizhu Township trace their lineage back to the Kunyang township in Anxi, Fujian, having settled and populated the area for over nine generations. Master Dong Gong has indeed been a significant protective figure for the Weng clan in Yizhu. During the late Qing Dynasty, descendants of Weng Guixi Gong and Weng Binqi Gong alternated in worshiping him. Currently, two statues known as "Big Dong" and "Three Dong" are enshrined in Cihua Temple, while another statue is housed in Bixing Palace in Yizhu Village. It is understood that during the late Kangxi period, Master Dong Gong was initially worshiped in a public hall format upon his arrival in Yizhu. Later, due to the successful descendants of Weng Guixi Gong and Weng Binqi Gong establishing ancestral halls, worship could then take place within these halls. The construction of Cihua Temple arose from Master Dong Gong's miraculous manifestations and benevolent deeds, prompting responses from various virtuous believers. The community's consensus led to the temple's establishment, with Mr. Weng Xintai (the first provincial councilor) donating land and local devotees like Weng Tianhua and Weng Guojing initiating the design and plans. The temple was built in a Song-style palace architecture, with contributions from countless pious individuals. The consecration ceremony was held on a favorable date in May of the 62nd year of the Republic of China, and the temple was named Cihua Temple. It was established that November 27 of the lunar calendar is the birthday of Master Dong Gong. A stage was built in the plaza in front of the temple, while an extension on the left side was added for meetings and receptions for devotees.
