Shanbian Mazu Temple
Main Deities
About
One Mazu, for decades with no temple of her own — this is the most moving devotion of Shanbian Mazu in Houlong Township, Miaoli County. Shanbian Mazu (the Heavenly Holy Mother) long kept the singular tradition of 'a deity without a temple,' hosted in turn in the home of the serving incense keeper (luzhu), until a temporary temple was finally built for her enthronement in 2013; a permanent temple is now being planned. Shanbian Mazu shares a sisterly bond with Baishatun Mazu, and for more than a century the two have insisted on sharing a single palanquin on the pilgrimage to Beigang — an indispensable presence in the procession. Her palanquin is light and nimble, often making startling moves that draw gasps from the crowd.
History
Shanbian Mazu's exact origins can no longer be traced, for the early years left no written record, but by rough estimate she has been in Taiwan for at least 300 years. For generations Shanbian Mazu followed a 'yearly rotating incense keeper' system — each year a keeper was chosen by casting divination blocks, and that keeper reverently hosted the deity in his own home. This form of faith, 'a deity without a temple,' is utterly different from the ordinary great temple. Since 1953, Shanbian Mazu has each year shared a single palanquin with the Mazu of Baishatun Gongtian Temple, walking on foot to Beigang Chaotian Temple on pilgrimage — an unbroken tradition of more than 70 years. Only in 2013, when Shanbian Mazu was enthroned in a temporary temple, did the decades-long tradition of rotating worship come to an end; now the community is working together to build a permanent temple, so that this Mazu, adrift for centuries, may at last have a home.
Shanbian Mazu Temple
Houlong Township, Miaoli County
Visitor Info
Address
No. 108-3, Shanbian, Houlong Township, Miaoli County
Region
Houlong Township, Miaoli County