Cijin Tianhou Temple (旗津天后宮) @ Kaohsiung City [Taiwan]

This little temple, located just about a hundred meters from Cijin Ferry Terminal, was the typical one built in the colorful Southern Chinese style, with the unique draw being the wishing well that had a statue of Mazu Goddess in the middle! 

As expected, the temple honoured Mazu, "Goddess of Sea and Patron Deity of Fishermen"; a renowned figure popular even in Singapore and Malaysia. 

It might not infer much but this was the oldest temple in Kaohsiung and was built in 1673! Restored in 1948 after suffering damages during World War 2, it became a protected monument on 27 November 1985.

Other deities being prayed to included Yue Lao, the elderly immortal whose only job was to tie the red threads to couple up two individuals! Apparently quite a popular deity in Taiwan! 

From the marketing point of view, we would say religion is one of the most lucrative businesses; you see the wheels? Each one can house hundreds of prayer tiles that can be sold to a person and family. Oh well, a small to pay for good blessings! 

Unlike murals, the architecture focused on eye-catching 3-dimensional statues that required a lot more effort from the craftsmen. Look longer and you may even catch a hint on the storyline that's based on Chinese legends and fables.

Joss paper burner built in the design of a pagoda. Even though I am not a pyromania, I did like playing with fire since young, to the extent I almost burnt down my old kampong house! This one at Cijin Tianhou Temple can only be summed up with one word; beautiful! 

Pity the large, ugly piping kind of reduced its attractiveness. p.s. I do believe it plays an important role for the environment, maybe to purify the air or something. For me, don't burn is actually the best solution. Pity, the century-old custom will take a few generations to be removed.

A poster asking for donations to make the religious weapons used for a procession. Cost: NT$36,000; that's like S$1,500! 

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Address

No. 93, Miaoqian Rd, Qijin District, 

Kaohsiung City, Taiwan

Map

As above.

Website (in Chinese)

https://cijinmazu.org.tw/

Click HERE for 11 Days, 10 Nights Taiwan Trip: Summarised Itinerary for Chiayi Alishan (嘉义阿里山) - Kaohsiung (高雄) - Tainan (台南) - Taichung (臺中)