Lingji Temple (Guanyin Pavilion) Introduction
Lingji Ancient Temple, originally named Guanyin Pavilion, is said to have been established during the Tang Dynasty's period of horse rearing and land reclamation. It is the oldest temple in Kinmen. It was repaired in the second year of the Song Dynasty's Jingyan era, but later destroyed during the Yuan Dynasty. It underwent several expansions during the Ming Dynasty in the Yongle, Wanli, and Tianqi eras. In December of the fourth year of the Daoguang era (1824), a fire broke out in the nearby shops and reached the temple. However, a miraculous spring suddenly emerged inside the Buddhist hall, preserving the temple from damage. Local residents initiated its reconstruction, and it was renamed Lingji Ancient Temple to commemorate this event of "the miraculous spring brings universal relief." In the 53rd year of the Republic of China, Master Weide led fundraising efforts to rebuild it, adding a bell tower and drum tower to achieve its current scale. The couplets are as follows: Main Gate Couplets: "One radiant light of the divine hall shines; Lucky clouds envelop Mount Taiwu." "The boat of relief ferries all to the other shore and back to the sacred land." Left Window Couplets: "The golden spirit on the ancient shrine hides within the Brahma tower;" "The door of relief leaves smoke and mist for eternity." Right Window Couplets: "That marvelous Dharma of the ancient altar;" "The sound of the temple bell ends all connections."
