Cilong Temple

About Cilong Temple: Cilong Temple primarily enshrines Guanyin Bodhisattva, flanked by Shancai (Sudhana) and Longnü (Dragon Girl). Secondary deities worshipped include Zhusheng Niangniang (Goddess of Birth) and Tudigong (Earth God). This temple represents a Taiwanese folk belief that blends Buddhist and Taoist deities. Originally named Guanyin Ting (Guanyin Pavilion), its worship began in 1776 (the 41st year of the Qianlong reign) when Han Chinese ancestors brought the deity from Mount Putuo, Zhejiang, mainland China, to Taiwan. In 1906 (the 39th year of the Meiji reign), a major earthquake struck Chiayi, causing Guanyin Ting to collapse. At that time, Ye Fa, Huang Xian, and others initiated fundraising to rebuild it on its original site. In 1938 (the 13th year of the Showa reign), during the Japanese government's promotion of the Kōminka movement and Shinto faith in Taiwan, Guanyin Ting was merged into Chenghuang Temple (City God Temple) under the concept of 'one temple per village/township'. In 1947, after fundraising, devotees like Zeng Mu purchased the current site and rebuilt Cilong Temple. The Connection Between Master of Chinese Painting Lin Yushan and Cilong Temple: Guanyin Bodhisattva decreed the selection of the current site for the temple's construction, and local residents contributed funds and labor to build it. Lin Yushan, who lived nearby and was then an art teacher at National Chiayi Senior High School, enthusiastically participated in the temple's construction, overseeing its interior paintings and calligraphy. Among these are five ink wash frescoes, all featuring animals with auspicious meanings. These are the only authentic frescoes by the master in Taiwan, truly a rare treasure. Moreover, these frescoes were Lin Yushan's last set of works before he left Chiayi, and his only frescoes created for a religious building. Introduction to Frescoes: The frescoes at Cilong Temple are created on bamboo-weaved mud walls. This involves using bamboo as a framework, mixing clay (mud) with rice husks, straw, and glutinous rice as an adhesive, and then, after drying, smoothing it with lime powder. The painting is then applied to the outer layer of lime while it is still wet, hence the term 'fresco'. The difficulty lies in the need to complete the work in a short timeframe (before the outer layer of lime on the wall dries), as pigments easily penetrate and cannot be erased or modified. Cilong Temple Fresco Descriptions: Cloud Dragon: Spiritually vibrant, supreme in heaven and earth, dragons bring auspiciousness, and blessings fill the human world. Receiving Heavenly Blessings: Receiving countless heavenly blessings, never lacking food and clothing, wealth and honor bestowed, a life of glory. Enfeoffed for Ten Thousand Years: Blessings and prosperity for ten thousand years, wealth and nobility, evergreen pines and cypresses, auspiciousness and good fortune. Bestowing Distant Blessings: Cranes symbolize auspiciousness, the five blessings are complete, pines and cranes signify longevity, immense blessings reach the heavens. Eight Steeds: Eight steeds with mighty vigor, instant success, vibrant life, and prosperity in all endeavors. Remarks: Guided tours can be booked. Please call 05-2774488.