The Dajia Matsu Temple (Calm Waves Temple) is one of the most famous in Taiwan. Herein is housed an important goddess - Matsu - who protects those on the sea. Many on the coast of Taiwan consider her the protector of all Taiwan.
Like many other temples, the Calm Waves Temple is old and ornate. Aside from the similarities, the Dajia temple is well attended - people come here not only from all over Taiwan to pay their respects, but also from may places in China.
If you are able to pay enough of a donation, your name or the name of an ancestor gets placed in a special location in the temple.
The alters and incence burning places in this temple are always busy; while we were there some 200-300 other patrons were busy milling about their penintence.
Perhaps the most fascinating part of this temple is the underground shrine for three different Matsu images: A traditional one (not shown), one of pure white jade (pictured above), and one of pure gold (not allowed to take pictures). Each is surrounded by pure gold carvings and reliefs. The golden Matsu weighs over 400lbs.
No comments:
Post a Comment