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Neimen Purple Bamboo Temple

2022-11-28
886-7-6671602
高雄市內門區中正路115巷18號
The Nimen Zizhu Temple, with over 300 years of history, originally belonged to the Guo family as their protective deity. It became a communal temple for the village after a miraculous legend involving the "flying incense burner" of the Goddess of Mercy. The temple's divine power is renowned throughout northern and southern Taiwan, attracting numerous devotees. The temple has undergone multiple renovations since its founding and has now become the province's most historically significant and largest temple dedicated to the "Goddess of Mercy." Nimen Zizhu Temple is not only the spiritual center of the Nimen District but also a major pilgrimage site for believers across Taiwan. On the 19th days of the second, sixth, and ninth lunar months—respectively marking the birth, attainment of enlightenment, and ascetic life of the Buddha—large-scale festivals are held that draw massive crowds. These events transform the usually serene Nimen District into a vibrant, bustling hub. The temple grounds feature lush greenery, bridges over streams, pavilions, and scenic landscaping. The artificial spring water spraying from the lotus-shaped fountain often leaves visitors spellbound. Historical Development of Nimen Zizhu Temple: Legend has it that during the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty, the Guo family, Chinese immigrants from mainland China, settled along the southern edge of Funzi Road. One day, the incense burner of the statue of the Bodhisattva Guanyin automatically flew out and hovered onto a betel nut tree branch at the future site of the Zizhu Temple (feng shui identified the location as the "Lotus Cave"). Locals regarded this as a divine miracle and united to build the temple to honor the Bodhisattva Guanyin. Further miraculous occurrences later reinforced residents' devotion, and the incense-filled scene became a spectacle of prosperity. The temple primarily venerates the Bodhisattva Guanyin. During the Qianlong era, the Commander-in-Chief of the naval forces who passed by this area was astonished by the thriving incense offerings and deemed it a remarkable sight. After personally kowtowing to worship, he bestowed a plaque inscribed with "Purple Bamboo Blossoms in Spring," which officially designated the temple as "Zizhu Temple." The plaque remains well-preserved within the temple. Song Jiang Troupe of Nimen Nanhai Zizhu Temple: The Nimen District of Kaohsiung is renowned as the "Land of Folk Art Troupes" for having the highest number of traditional folk art performances in the nation. Among all activities, the Nimen Song Jiang Troupe is the most famous in Taiwan. Originating from the Hanmen Buddha Pilgrimage Protection Troupe accompanying processions to the Buddha, the Kaohsiung Nimen Song Jiang Troupe has existed for over 200 years and is recognized as one of Taiwan's Hundred Religious Landmarks. Annually, performances rotate among the temple courtyards of Nimen Zizhu Temple, Shunxian Palace, and Nanhai Zizhu Temple.
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