Huguo Temple Introduction
Introduction: Today's Xinshi, originally a sandy area, saw a significant military presence in Kinmen from the 38th year of the Republic of China (1949). In the 43rd year of the Republic (1954), under military guidance, the current streets of Xinshi were established to encourage people to live and do business. Due to the significant influx of people from the northern coastal villages of Kinmen during the Battle of Aug. 23 in the 47th year of the Republic (1958), Xinshi quickly flourished. "A village is formed only with a temple and ancestral homes," and as the new community was established, temples began to be built. The Huguo Temple was founded in this context in the 66th year of the Republic (1977), with the main hall enshrining Amitabha Buddha, Avalokiteshvara, Mahasthamaprapta, Ksitigarbha, and two Wei Tuo Bodhisattvas. The second floor of the rear hall serves as the Sanbao Hall, enshrining Shakyamuni Buddha, Manjushri, and Samantabhadra. Before the establishment of the Loyalty and Righteousness Temple, the God of War (Guan Yu) was also worshipped in the right-side temple. In the 92nd year of the Republic (2003), Huguo Temple underwent renovations, which were completed in the 95th year (2006). Couplets: Archway couplet: "Protecting life and saving the world, looking up to the lotus seat of Wudao, bringing forth auspicious colors; National prosperity and peace, the subtle sound of Dharma, gods like the past illuminating auspicious light." Corridor pillar couplets: "Protecting the nation and nurturing life, radiant grace illuminates Wudao; Auspiciousness marks the pure land, a dignified temple shines over Jinhu." Main gate couplet of the Heavenly King Hall: "The waters of Jinhu are vast and wise; the nation's borders are peaceful." Left gate couplet of the Heavenly King Hall: "Within the hall, all beings live without sorrow; the cosmos embraces compassion." Right gate couplet of the Heavenly King Hall: "The Dharma's form and majesty illuminate the sun and moon; compassionate visage freely observes the world." Pillar couplet one: "Golden bells and wooden fish awaken beings to the shore of enlightenment; the lake's light and mountain scenery open the pure land to plant Bodhi." Pillar couplet two: "The rain of Dharma falls in the southern sky, grass and trees, mountains and rivers flourish with beauty; compassionate clouds spread over the western land, farmers and merchants are bathed in grace." Pillar couplet three: "The form of Dharma is dignified at the Three Treasures land; the light of compassion shines universally on all."
