Changhua Nanyao Temple
Main Deities
About
A Mazu temple hiding Greek column capitals, Japanese black tiles, and a Western dormer window — this is the most astonishing sight at Changhua Nanyao Temple in Changhua City. Dedicated to Mazu (the Heavenly Holy Mother) and affectionately known as 'Changhua Ma,' Nanyao Temple's main hall is traditional Minnan architecture, yet its rear 'Guanyin Hall' is deeply influenced by Western architecture — a fusion of East and West extremely rare among Taiwan's temples, of exceptional artistic value. Nanyao Temple also has the largest Mazu association organization in Taiwan, and its annual 'Bengang Pilgrimage,' long in history, preserves ancient rites such as the 'Changing of the Dragon Robe,' a living fossil of Taiwan's pilgrimage culture.
History
The story opens with an incense pouch. During the Qianlong reign, a potter named Yang Qian carried a Mazu incense pouch for others to worship, and as the miracles grew renowned, more and more followers gathered, until at last Nanyao Temple was built in 1738, the third year of Qianlong. It was one of the earliest Mazu temples to make the pilgrimage to Bengang, pioneering the cross-county pilgrimage culture. In the years that followed, Nanyao Temple's lay organization, the 'Mazu Association,' grew ever larger, its influence spreading across central Taiwan. From a single small incense pouch to the largest Mazu association in Taiwan, Nanyao Temple has witnessed how Taiwan's pilgrimage culture grew from folk faith into a force that binds a community together.
Changhua Nanyao Temple
Changhua City
Visitor Info
Address
No. 43, Nanyao Rd, Changhua City
Region
Changhua City