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Introduction to Ci Long Temple Ci Long Temple is primarily dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara), with accompanying statues of Shancai and Liang Nü, and secondary deities including the Goddess of Childbirth and the Earth God. This temple represents a blend of Buddhist and Taoist beliefs in Taiwanese folk religion. Originally named Guanyin Pavilion, the faith began in 1776 when Han Chinese ancestors from the mainland brought their beliefs from Zhejiang's Putuo Mountain to Taiwan. In 1906, a significant earthquake occurred in Chiayi, causing Guanyin Pavilion to collapse. Subsequently, individuals such as Ye Fa and Huang Xian initiated a fundraising effort to rebuild the temple on its original site. During the Japanese colonial period, specifically in 1938, the Japanese government promoted the Imperial Subjectification Movement and Shintoism in Taiwan. Under the concept of "one street, one temple," Guanyin Pavilion was merged with the City God Temple. In 1947, devotees, including Zeng Mu, raised funds to purchase the current site and rebuild Ci Long Temple. The Connection between Lin Yushan and Ci Long Temple The Goddess of Mercy descended, choosing the current site for the temple. Local residents contributed money and effort to build the temple. Lin Yushan, a renowned national artist, lived nearby and was a high school art teacher in Chiayi. He enthusiastically participated in the construction, responsible for the temple's murals and calligraphy. Among the works, five ink-wash murals on damp walls, all themed on animals with auspicious meanings, are the only genuine masterpieces in Taiwan and are considered rare treasures. These murals were Lin Yushan's last works before leaving Chiayi and the only ones he created on a religious building. Introduction to the Murals The murals at Ci Long Temple are made on damp walls using a mixture of bamboo, mud, rice straw, and glutinous rice as an adhesive. The process involves applying lime plaster while the wall is still damp, followed by immediate painting. The challenge lies in completing the work quickly before the lime dries and the pigments penetrate. The murals cannot be erased or corrected. Descriptions of Ci Long Temple Murals: - Cloud Dragon: The spiritual dragon, Heaven's nobility, brings auspicious blessings and fills the human world with happiness. - A Hundred Blessings from Heaven: Enjoy a hundred heavenly blessings, abundance and wealth throughout one's life, with a noble and honorable existence. - The Marquis of the Myriad Years: With blessings lasting for ten thousand years, wealth and nobility bring happiness. The pine and cypress symbolize longevity and good fortune. - Bestowing Remote Blessings: The crane symbolizes good fortune; the five blessings are complete, signifying a long and prosperous life. - Eight Steeds: The eight steeds bring vigor, ensure success, and signify a thriving life with smoothness in all affairs. Note: Guided tours can be arranged; please call 05-2774488 for reservations.