Huguo Temple Introduction
Introduction: Today's Xinshi District was originally a sandy area. After the establishment of a significant military presence in Kinmen following the year 1949, the streets of Xinshi were constructed in 1954 under military guidance to encourage residents to move in and engage in commerce. Due to the large influx of residents from the northern coastal villages of Kinmen after the August 23 Incident in 1958, Xinshi rapidly prospered. "Only with temples and ancestral homes can a community be formed." As this new community took shape, temples began to be constructed, with Huguo Temple being established in 1977. The main hall houses statues of Amitabha Buddha, Guanyin, Mahasthamaprapta, Kṣitigarbha, and two statues of Weituo. The second floor of the rear hall is dedicated to the Three Treasures: Shakyamuni Buddha, Manjushri, and Samantabhadra. Before the construction of the Loyalty and Righteousness Temple, the deity Guan Sheng Dijun was also enshrined in a temple on the right side. In 2003, Huguo Temple underwent renovations, which were completed in 2006. Couplets: Archway Couplets: "Protecting life and aiding the world, gazing at Wudao's lotus throne, presenting auspicious colors; National stability and peace, the subtle sounds of Dharma, divine beings reveal auspicious light as before." Porch Column Couplets: "Protect the nation and preserve life, the brilliance of grace shines on Wudao; Auspiciousness occupies pure land, the grandeur of the temple illuminates Jinh Lake." Main Entrance Couplets of the Heavenly King Hall: "Jinh Lake's waters surge with wisdom; Huguo's borders ascend to peace." Left Entrance Couplets of the Heavenly King Hall: "Within the hall, life appears without sorrow; the universe embraces compassion from all directions." Right Entrance Couplets of the Heavenly King Hall: "The Dharma's form and majesty shine like the sun and moon; the kind visage observes the world freely." Column Couplets 1: "Golden clappers and wooden fish awaken beings to the shore of enlightenment; the lake's light and mountain scenery broaden the pure land and plant Bodhi." Column Couplets 2: "Dharma rain falls upon the southern sky, nurturing the beauty of flora and mountains; compassionate clouds spread over the west, allowing farmers and merchants to bask in grace." Column Couplets 3: "The Dharma's majesty adorns the land of the Three Treasures; compassionate light shines universally upon all beings."
