Lingji Temple (Guanyin Pavilion) Introduction
Lingzi Temple, formerly known as Guanyin Pavilion and also called Lingzi Ancient Temple, is located at the East Gate of Houpu, near the national historic site of Qiu Liangong's Mother Filial Piety Archway. The temple is oriented southeast to northwest, and the canal visible on the left side of the temple is a traditional waterway that flows down from Juguang Road, indicating that Lingzi Temple also serves the purpose of guarding the financial resources similar to Shuiwei Palace. The name Guanyin Pavilion originates from the main deity enshrined in the temple, Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, which is why the local residents tend to refer to Lingzi Temple as Guanyin Pavilion. The name "Lingzi Ancient Temple" comes from the time when Master Wei De served as the abbot, as indicated by the newly established incenses burner inscription in 1968. The current roof ridge of Lingzi Temple bears a record from 1978, stating: "This temple was founded in the 20th year of the Tang Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Dezong in the year 804..." However, there are no historical records to support the claim of its establishment during the Tang Dynasty. According to Lin Kuan-hsing's "Kinmen Gazetteer," the existing scale of Lingzi Temple was reportedly damaged by fire in the fourth year of Daoguang in the Qing Dynasty and was later reconstructed through donations encouraged by local resident Lin Junyuan. Subsequently, there were several repairs during the Republic of China period, and after the Nationalist government arrived in Kinmen, the space of the worship pavilion was used. The most significant exterior alteration occurred in 1978, led by Master Wei De, who oversaw the construction of the Bell and Drum Tower and subsequent renovations. Inside Lingzi Temple (Guanyin Pavilion), numerous Qing Dynasty plaques can be seen, indicating the importance it held during that era. Furthermore, Lin Kuan-hsing's "Kinmen Gazetteer," Volume Four, "Sacrifices," mentions records stating that the civil and military officials of Kinmen were required to pay respects at Guanyin Pavilion and announce the "Holy Edict" in front of the temple on the first and fifteenth of each month. There are also plaques from the Jiaqing and Daoguang periods, which help shape the collective faith of local officials, gentry, and worshippers towards Lingzi Temple (Guanyin Pavilion) since the Qinglong period onwards.
