Longshan Temple
Northern Taiwan Region
Longshan Temple, located in the Wanhua District of Taipei, Taiwan, is a prominent Taiwanese folk temple originally built in 1738 by settlers from Fujian during Qing rule. Dedicated primarily to Guanyin, the temple also honors various Chinese folk deities such as Mazu and Guan Yu, reflecting a blend of Buddhist and folk religious practices. The temple has undergone multiple reconstructions due to earthquakes, fires, and wartime damage, notably being rebuilt between 1919 and 1924 and restored after damage from American bombing in 1945 during World War II. Architecturally, it features distinct gates named Dragon Gate and Tiger Gate, with a prescribed sequence for prayer rituals involving multiple halls dedicated to different deities, including the Hall of Hua Tuo, Temple of Emperor Wenchang, and the Hall of Yue Lao, the deity of love and matchmaking. The temple is culturally significant as a gathering place for Chinese settlers and remains a popular site for both worship and tourism, attracting many visitors, including Thai tourists who seek blessings from Yue Lao. It is conveniently accessible via the Taipei Metro Longshan Temple Station.
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Consiglio: For visitors, the best time to visit Longshan Temple is during weekday mornings to avoid crowds. It is recommended to follow the temple's etiquette when entering and praying, including not stepping over thresholds and following the prescribed order of worship from the front hall to the rear hall. Visitors can obtain amulets and red threads (especially from the altar of Yue Lao) for free, which should be consecrated at the central incense pot. Purchasing tickets in advance is not required as the temple is open to the public, but respectful behavior is expected. The temple is easily accessible by Taipei Metro, making public transport the preferred option.
Fatti interessanti
- •The temple's name originates from an ancient Lungshan Temple in Fujian province dating back to the 7th century.
- •Longshan Temple contains altars to multiple deities, including Guanyin, Mazu, Guan Yu, and Yue Lao, the latter known for matchmaking.
- •The temple was damaged by American bombing in 1945 because Japanese forces reportedly stored armaments there during World War II.
- •Visitors follow a specific ritual path through the temple starting at the front hall and ending at the rear hall.
- •Yue Lao's red threads, believed to grant romantic wishes, are provided free of charge and must be consecrated within the temple.
- •The temple's entrance and exit are marked by the Dragon Gate and Tiger Gate, respectively, with specific etiquette about not stepping over thresholds.
Storia
Longshan Temple was originally constructed in 1738 by immigrants from Fujian who named it after the ancient Lungshan Temple in their home province.
The temple has been repeatedly damaged by natural disasters and wartime events, including significant destruction during the Taihoku Air Raid in 1945.
It was rebuilt during Japanese colonial rule between 1919 and 1924 and restored after World War II.
Despite these challenges, the temple has been consistently maintained and renovated by Taipei residents, preserving its cultural and religious importance through centuries.
Guida del luogo
Dragon Gate
The main entrance to Longshan Temple, symbolizing auspiciousness and protection, through which visitors enter the temple grounds with proper etiquette.
Front Hall (Sanguandian)
The initial prayer hall where worshippers honor three Buddhist Bodhisattvas: Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin), Manjushri, and Samantabhadra, placing offerings and beginning their ritual journey.
Main Hall (Zhengdian)
The central hall dedicated primarily to Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion, where visitors pray and turn to face the Jade Emperor in the sky after their prayers.
Rear Hall
This area houses five main structures dedicated to various deities, including the Hall of Hua Tuo (medicine), Temple of Emperor Wenchang (literature), Temple of Tianshang Shengmu, Temple of Emperor Guan Di (warrior deity), and Hall of Yue Lao (love deity).
Central Incense Pot
Located in the central courtyard, this incense pot is used for self-consecration of amulets by passing them over the pot clockwise three times, a ritual believed to bless the amulets.
Contatto
Telefono: 02 2302 5162