Cihu temple (Jinshan Mazu Temple) |
Cihu Temple, locally known as Jinshan Matsu Temple, is the largest temple in Jinshan, and is referred to by the local people as the “Big Temple.” Built in 1809, this temple has a history of more than two hundred years, and is the belief center of the area. The main deity enshrined is the Golden-faced Matsu, Goddess of the Sea.
The legend of this temple is that at the beginning of the 19th century, a statue of Matsu drifted to a sea cave in Yehliu, found by some fishermen, and was worshiped by the villagers. Because of many miraculous manifestations of the goddess, more and more people came to worship her for protection and blessing. Therefore, the people decided to build a big temple for her, and chose the more populated Jinshan as the site of the construction. However, an agreement was reached that on the 15th day of the fourth lunar month, a procession would be held for Matsu to pay an annual visit back to the sea cave in Yehliu, where she had been found. This annual procession has since been one of the most important religious events in Jinshan and Yehliu.
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Add:No.10, Jinbauli St., Tatong village, Jinshan District, New Taipei City
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Credit Card: No
Fun Facts:
The historic Jinshan Cihu Temple holds a public procession for its goddess in charge on April 15 by the lunar calendar every year. The tradition can be traced back to the time when a “Goden-faced Sea Goddess Matzu” statue, originally found in Yehliu, became the hosting deity of a temple in Jinshan. Upon further discussions, the residents of Jinshan and Yehliu decided that Matzu would pay an annual visit back to the sea cave in Jinshan, where she was found.