Taipei's number one power spotA temple in Taiwan that is also known asLongshan Temple」。
The official name is,Mengjia Longshan Temple (Mongjia Longshan Temple)It is called " ",
Even locally,Longshan TempleIt is often called " ".
thisLongshan TempleThe area centered around it is one of the oldest developed neighborhoods in Taipei.
Longshan Templeteeth,Founded in 1738 (3rd year of Qianlong)And it is the oldest and most historic temple in Taipei.
The buildings, adorned with vibrantly colored decorations, are well worth seeing.
It is especially revered as a temple with abundant blessings and miraculous powers, and enjoys the deep trust of the local people.
MRTBannan LineのLongshan Temple StationGet off at [station name],Exit 1Approximately on foot fromWithin a 3-5 minute radiusLocated at this location.
When you visit Taipei, this is a tourist attraction that you should definitely visit:Longshan TempleWe'd like to introduce you to "[Title of the article]"♪
A red roof stands out against the bright blue sky.
A vibrant and energetic dragon shines above,bronze dragon pillarPlease pay attention to the following:
The temple architecture, adorned with vibrant colors, is magnificent.Longshan Temple。
Longshan TempleIt has been affected by disasters and wars, and has undergone repeated renovation work many times.
1919 (Republic of Korea 8th year)The extensive renovation work resulted in a vibrant, magnificent, and majestic, highly artistic building.
「chinese palace style mausoleum architectureThis has been incorporated.
The total area of the temple grounds is approximately1800 tsuboand broadly,
The main hall, which enshrines the principal image of worship, is at the center, surrounded by the front hall, the bell tower on the east, the rear hall, and the drum tower on the west.
A key feature is that everything is connected by walkways, and when viewed from above, the structure resembles the Japanese character "回" (kai).
On the right side of this photo is the entrance, "Ryūmon" (Dragon Gate), and on the left side is the exit, "Komon" (Tiger Gate).
This temple has separate entrances and exits, and a set flow of people coming in and out.
After entering through the main gate, first head towards the entrance on the right, and enter the temple grounds through the "Ryūmon" (Dragon Gate) entrance on the right to offer your prayers.
After that, just follow the instructions and leave through the "Toramon" exit on your left.
After passing through the main gate, follow the flow of people and head towards the "Dragon Gate" entrance on your right.
When entering through the entrance (Dragon Gate), it is important to enter with your left foot first and not to step on the threshold.
There is a shop selling incense and candles to the right of the entrance, so please purchase some incense and candles there.
Previously, incense sticks were sold in packs of seven for a fee.
Currently, they provide three incense sticks, and they are distributed free of charge♪
Longshan TempleIt has high artistic value and has been designated a national second-class historical site.
Take a look at the dragon that seems about to ascend to heaven from atop the curved roof, and the phoenix that looks about to soar into the sky!
It is made of vividly colored lapis lazuli, and its exquisite craftsmanship is truly breathtaking.
Also, a pair of dragon pillars at the main entrancebronze dragon pillar" is the only cast metal piece made in Taiwan, built approximately 100 years ago.
The magnificent dragon wrapped around the pillar, along with the intricately depicted gods and animals, is truly impressive and is one of the highlights of the exhibit.
In addition, there are the magnificent relief carvings on the stone pillars of the main hall,
The ceramic wall hangings adorning both sides of the rear hall, the stone carvings for the window frames, the drum-shaped stones supporting the pillars, etc.
Longshan TempleAs the name suggests, you can admire the majestic figures of countless dragons here!
The temple is bustling with devout locals and tourists from all over the world, and the air is filled with the scent of incense.
This isLongshan TempleThe front hall houses the "Three Treasures Buddha - Shakyamuni Triad,"
The "Three Treasures Buddha" are arranged in a row, and the rightmost of them is enshrined "Yakushi Nyorai," the deity who heals all kinds of illnesses.
Here, you will visit seven incense burners, each dedicated to a different god, in order.
One can see people praying to each deity, each with their own thoughts and feelings.
[How to visit Longshan Temple and what to keep in mind]
① When visiting a shrine, purify your mind, dress appropriately, maintain good posture, and strive to perform your actions quietly.
② Light the two candles and offer them on the candlesticks to the left and right of the "Three Treasures Buddha and Shakyamuni Triad" in the front hall.
③ Longshan Temple previously had seven incense burners, but now it only has three, so light all three incense sticks.
As you pray, you will light one incense stick at each of the incense burners in the order of the front hall, main hall, and rear hall.
④ The method of worship (bowing and saying goodbye) is to hold an incense stick above your head in front of the god and bow your head three times in reverence.
It is important to properly introduce yourself to the gods, including your name, date of birth, and current address, before offering your prayers.
There are two places on the temple grounds where you can draw a fortune slip, so it might be a good idea to try drawing one after praying.
For general wishes, please use the fortune slips available at the front hall.
If your wish is related to business or work, choose the fortune slip at the "Guan Sheng Di Jun Hall" in the rear hall.
Unlike in Japan, the concept of fortune-telling slips is not about making a wish, but rather about your worries and wishes.
The purpose is to seek "divine will."
[How to draw a fortune slip]
① Hold a pair of red crescent-shaped jiao bei (divining blocks) in both hands,
After silently telling God your name, address, and date of birth, you ask for guidance regarding your worries and wishes.
② Ask the gods, "May I draw a fortune slip?" and drop the red crescent-shaped jiao bei (divination cup) onto the floor.
③ If you get heads and tails, that's OK. Heads and heads is NOT OK, and tails and tails is NOT OK.
④ If you get heads or tails, draw a fortune slip using a bamboo stick.
⑤ Next, ask the gods again, "Is this fortune slip really okay?" and proceed as in ②.
If it doesn't work, pull the bamboo stick again.
⑥ Once you receive the OK to ask for a fortune slip, go to the "Fortune Slip Dispensing Area" and take a fortune slip from the drawer corresponding to the number written on the bottom of the bamboo stick.
⑦ The fortune slips are written in the following order from best to worst: "Great Luck," "Superb," "Good," "Average," and "Bad."
⑧ Take your fortune slip to the "Fortune Slip Interpretation Area" to the right of the main hall, and they will explain the contents of your fortune slip. (Note: In Chinese)
*Although not on a regular basis, staff who can speak Japanese may provide explanations, mainly on weekends.
⑨ Keep your fortune slip safe at home. (Note: Unlike in Japan, there is no custom of tying them to trees on the temple grounds.)
This is the main hall where the principal deities, Kannon Bodhisattva, Fugen Bodhisattva, and Monju Bodhisattva, are enshrined.
What you see behind it is the main hall, which enshrines the principal deities: Kannon Bodhisattva, Fugen Bodhisattva, and Monju Bodhisattva.
The principal deity is "Kannon Bodhisattva," but nowadays it has been syncretized with various religions such as Taoism and Confucianism.
It is said that there are more than 100 gods, both large and small, enshrined there, including Confucius, Guan Yu (known from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms), and Mazu.
A gigantic, golden incense burner stands in front of the main shrine.
The design features a unique Dutchman in a top hat supporting the roof of the incense burner.
It is said to symbolize the Dutch, as a reminder not to forget the history of Taiwan's occupation by the Dutch.
The principal image of worship at Ryuji-yama is the "Holy Kannon Bodhisattva (Kannon statue)" enshrined in the main hall.
In 1945 (the 34th year of the Republic of China), near the end of World War II, it was destroyed by American air raids.
Amidst the devastation that even destroyed the stone pillars,
Apparently, only the wooden statue of Kannon remained undamaged and escaped the destruction.
Therefore, locals believe that the area around the Kannon statue is safe.
It is said that whenever there was an air raid, they would rush to the side of the Kannon statue and take refuge there.
Even amidst the intense air raids, there were no injuries among the evacuees.
Because of its blessings, it is still deeply revered by the local people.
In addition to the Kannon statue, the main hall enshrines "Manjushri Bodhisattva, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, the Eighteen Arhats, Wei Fu Protector, and Manjushri Bodhisattva."
The ceiling of the main hallRasenmoiThat's also one of the highlights.
The way the dragon spirals upwards into the heavens is depicted with exquisite detail, truly breathtaking!
Eight dragons form 32 layers in a spiral pattern.
The design of 1600 ascending dragons forms the octagonal Mikawa-moi, symbolizing the Buddhist concept of "reincarnation."
It has been designated a national treasure as a masterpiece of craftsmanship that does not use a single nail.
Please take as much time as you like to admire the compassionate and gentle face of the Bodhisattva statue and the exquisite craftsmanship♪
Longshan TempleIt is said to be an all-powerful temple, as it enshrines all kinds of gods.
In the rear hall, located behind the main shrine, 19 deities are lined up.
The twelfth goddess, "Zhusheng Niangniang," is particularly popular among women and is the goddess who protects fertility, safe childbirth, and the healthy growth of children.
And the 19th god, "Yue Lao" (the Old Man Under the Moon), is also very popular among young women as the god of good fortune in love and relationships!
Locals have a custom of offering gifts to the god that aligns with their specific purpose, praying to the god, and then taking those offerings home with them.
Each of the offerings has its own meaning.
The offerings made to the god of learning are traditionally "scallions, radishes, and steamed buns."
These Chinese pronunciations are similar to the Chinese pronunciations of "smart" and "guaranteed (passing)," and are considered to be auspicious.
In addition, radishes are said to symbolize good fortune, green onions and celery represent diligence, and apples represent good results.
It is believed that making offerings tailored to your worries or wishes will bring about positive results.
[Introducing the 19 gods in order from right to left in the front]
① "Daikui Xingjun" is the god of academics and exams. He is the god of prayers for passing exams.
② "Wen Chang Di Jun" is famous as the god of learning who governs all aspects of destiny.
③ "Uma-ya" (Grand Master Horse): The beloved horse of Emperor Wenchang. A god of success and advancement.
④ "Ziyang Fuzi": A scholar of the Song Dynasty. The god of learning.
⑤ "Fukutoku Seishin": The guardian deity who manages business, land, and crops.
⑥ "City God": A judge who determines good and evil.
⑦ "Ryūji" - God of the sea and god of rain.
⑧ "Narcissus King": God of the sea and trade. There is a theory that he is a reincarnation of Li Bai.
⑨ "Sun Star Lord": A deity who personifies the sun. He is the husband of the Moon Star Lord.
⑩ "Mazu Niangniang": The most beloved female deity in Taiwan. Represents general fortune.
⑪ "Taiyin Xingjun" - Goddess of beauty. A deity associated with beauty.
⑫ "Zhusheng Niangniang" is a goddess who protects fertility, safe childbirth, and the healthy growth of children.
⑬ "Lady Ikegashira": The goddess in charge of safe childbirth. She also has a role in guarding the blood pool in hell.
⑭ "Twelve Grandmothers": A group of 12 goddesses. They support Zhusheng Niangniang.
⑮ "Hua Tuo the Immortal," the god of medicine. Also known as: Bao Sheng Da Di.
⑯ "Three Great Emperors": Three gods who govern the management of heaven, earth, and water.
⑰ "Guan Sheng Di Jun": Guan Yu from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The god of business and martial arts.
⑱ "Jizo Bodhisattva" - Administrator of Hell. Determines the boundaries between paradise and hell for humans.
⑲ "Yue Lao" (Moon God): The god of good fortune in love and relationships.
The god of love, "Yue Lao Shen Jun (the Old Man Under the Moon)"
This "Yue Lao Shen Jun (the Old Man Under the Moon)" is extremely popular among young women as the god of good fortune in love and relationships!
Here too, a pair of red crescent-shaped jiao bei (divining blocks) are held in both hands,
You introduce yourself properly to God and tell him the name of the person you wish to be united with.
For those who haven't yet found their soulmate,I hope you have a wonderful encounter.Let's ask them to do that.
The box inside the temple actually contains:The red thread of fate that connects peopleBecause they have installed amulets with the following message:
After visiting the shrine, use the "red crescent-shaped jiao bei (divining blocks)"May I have a red thread of fate?"I asked for your opinion,
If you get the OK, thenThe red thread of fate that connects peopleI'll take one bag of ''.
Take the bag in your hand, spin it around three times from left to right over the incense burner, and then take it home with you.
The red thread of fate that connects peopleIt is believed that keeping it in your wallet or other everyday items will bring good fortune!
I earnestly prayed to the god "Yue Lao" (the Old Man Under the Moon).
Of course, this isn't for myself! (My husband is next to me: lol)
I offered a prayer for a certain woman to find happiness.
I hope you find a wonderful match!
Taiwan's number one power spotLongshan Temple"I recharged my energy there,
I encourage you all to try Taiwanese-style worship and fortune-telling!
Once your worries are resolved or your wishes are fulfilled,
Be sure to revisit and express your gratitude by paying your respects!
Longshan Temple
Address: No. 211, Guangzhou Street, Taipei, Taiwan
TEL: (02) 2302-5162
Opening hours: 6:00-22:00
Open all year round
http://www.lungshan.org.tw/
