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Toyota Green Lotus Temple (Zhongshan Park)

2015-04-22
886-3-8653579
花蓮縣壽豐鄉民權街一號
Bilei Temple is located at the southern part of Fengli Village (the location of the Japanese colonial period Nanchi immigration settlement's Nanri), near Fengping Village (the site of the Japanese colonial period Nanchi immigration settlement's Daoping). This was previously the site of the Japanese colonial period Morimoto Hamlet. To the south of the temple lies a grove of bamboo, while the main temple gates face north. Outside the gates, elaborately carved dragon pillars (long pan beams) extend, and two komainu (guardians) stand on either side, indicating its original role as a Japanese shrine. Adjacent to them is another pair of stone lions placed after the war; these two pairs of guardian beasts from different ethnic backgrounds coexist peacefully, showcasing the blended character of Taiwan's folk culture. Beyond the temple's steps, a cluster of cajuput trees and banyan trees intertwine. To the northwest of this group is FengnianTai (an old stage or platform), once marked by a towering hundred-year-old red cedar where a stone washstand was set for visitors to cleanse their hands before prayers. However, due to pests and disease, the cedar has already turned withered. Close by stands a commemorative stone tablet, noting "The 30th anniversary of the settlement, Showa 17, June" and inscribed by the Taiwan Governor Hasegawa Kiyozumi. Proceeding further, Japanese-style stone shrine lanterns (mizuhiki) line the approach on either side, their openings designed in the shapes of the sun, moon, and square. Initially, there were dozens of these lantern pairs extending from the temple gates up to the bridgehead lotus pond. Later, some were destroyed when FengnianTai was built, leaving the remaining poles broken but their lampshades kept. These inverted lampshades became small stone tables placed under cajuput trees for playing chess and drinking tea. Originally, FengnianTai was built exactly on the central axis in front of the temple gates, at the current location of the pool. When this obstructed temple views, it was relocated to the northwest corner, and the original site was replaced with a pool. After the 1990s restoration of Bilei Temple, the ancient style was restored, and the inverted stone lanterns were once again erected in their original positions. The shorter stone lanterns visible today represent this reconstruction.
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