Kaiji Matsu Temple

 Address:Geographical location : No.12, Ziqiang St., North Dist., Tainan City Longitude : 120.202585761093, Latitude : 22.9996296736991
 Subject:AssetClassification : Historic Monument, AssetsLevel : National Historic Monument, Asset Type : Temple

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【Introduction】

Kaiji Matsu Temple is popularly known as the “Little Matsu Temple" for the purpose of distinguishing it from the Grand Matsu Temple of Xiding in Tainan, which used to be the residence of the Ningjing prince. The construction of Kaiji Matsu Temple started in the years of Emperor Yongli’s reign during the Ming Dynasty covering the Shuizaiwei area, a part of Zhenbei District at the time. Kaiji Matsu Temple is the first temple devoted to Matsu in the area. In fact, Kaiji literally means foundation-setter which makes it an inaugural temple or the oldest Matsu temple in Tainan. In 1765, prefectural magistrate Jiang Yunxun made a donation to renovate the Temple. Further renovation was initiated by prefectural magistrate Jiang Yuanshu for expanding its scale. From the time of Emperor Jiaqing's reign to the Japanese colonial period, the temple underwent several renovations. During World War II, the building was seriously damaged because of aerial bombing by the Allies. Local residents launched a major repair and renovation effort in 1948. In 1971, another renovation was conducted with funds raised from the local gentry and residents, giving the temple a completely new look. The temple is an elongated structure with three halls laid out from front to back. There is a three-gate front hall, a main hall, and a rear hall. An obeisance pavilion is annexed to the main hall that enshrines Matzu, and the side is flanked by the guardian deities – Qianliyan (lit. Thousand-Mile Eyes) and Shunfenger (Wind-Riding Ears). The rear hall enshrines Guanyin (the Bodhisattva of Great Compassion). There are several old inscription tablets preserved in the temple, among which the “Compassion and Wisdom" tablet, written by Lin Chaoying (also known as Yifong Ting) in 1808 (the 13th Year of Emperor Jiaqing), is the most celebrated for its vigorous and graceful calligraphy. In addition, on the joints of the beams and columns under the front eaves of the front hall, the design of the “fish-dragon" brackets is certainly exceptional and unique. On the pair of stone columns under the front eaves, there are sculptures of coiled -dragons descending with three talons on each foot. These exquisitely carved dragons, which appear simple and unsophisticated, are fine pieces of stone sculpture.

 

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