Chaotian temple

The Chaotian Temple at the beginning of the multi-day celebration up to Mazu's birthday in 2009

The Chaotian Temple , also Chaotien Temple ( Chinese  朝天宮  /  朝天宫 , Pinyin Cháotiāngōng ) in Beigang ( 北港 , Běigǎng ), Yunlin County , Taiwan , is dedicated to the goddess Mazu . Built in 1694, it has become one of the most important Mazu temples in Taiwan and is known for its extravagant temple architecture. It is visited by over a million pilgrims annually.

history

In 1694 a monk brought the goddess Mazu from mainland China to Taiwan and founded what is now the Chaotian Temple in Beigang. Since Beigang was a port city, the temple grew in the same period as the city and its economy grew. The temple was built and expanded over decades. In 1730 it was renamed the Chaotian Temple ( Empress of Heaven ). Since then, the temple has continued to grow and in 1854 it was expanded into an architectural palace-type temple complex.

The Beigang brass orchestra in front of the Mazu statue in the Chaotian Temple's cultural center, 2009.

Wind orchestra addition

The Beigang brass orchestra plays at various religious celebrations at the Chaotian Temple, such as the birthday of the goddess Mazu, and marches through the city. The religious and spiritual occasions are not only celebrated at the Chaotian Temple, but also very popularly throughout Taiwan.

Cultural engagement

The Chaotian Temple also has a cultural center where concerts and other activities take place. The Chaotian Temple is also a sponsor of the Beigang International Music Festival .

Web links

• Site of the Chaotian Temple

Individual evidence

• China Post
• National Geographic Traveler Taiwan, ISBN 0-7922-6555-6
• Taiwan Tourism Bureau

Coordinates: 23 ° 34 ′ 5.5 ″  N , 120 ° 18 ′ 17.1 ″  E