Longshan Temple

Longshan Temple was built in 1738 by settlers from Fujian, China. It is one of the most visited place in Taiwan. I can say so because every time I go there, there must be any foreigners. Most of them are Japanese, Korean, or Indian. I go there twice a month in the first and fifteenth of the month in Chinese calendar. I go there very often because my religious is Buddhist. However, Longshan Temple is not only for Buddhist. It worships a mixture of Buddhist, Taoist, and folk deities such as Matsu.

The temple is divided into front hall, main hall, rear hall, right wing and left wing. Painting of vivid creatures graces the temple walls, and stone statues of mystical creatures guard the temple grounds. The joining of wall and roof did not use any nails or braces made of metal. Covered by overtopping tiles, the temple roof is decorated with figures of dragon, phoenix and other auspicious creatures. The figures are decorated with porcelain, clay, and shards of colored glass. They represent the pinnacle of mosaic art in Taiwan. The temple has been declared a Secondary National Heritage Site.

Around the temple there are lot of shop that sell Buddha statue or other things related to Buddhist. There are also a lot of monks in front of the temple. At the first time I went there, it was so surprise for me to see a lot of monks ask for alms in front of the temple because there no such things in Indonesia. However, I realized that it is common in Taiwan.

When lantern festival coming, there will be a lot of big lantern in the temple. The most interesting part is that there is one lantern of God carrying money in his hand and riding a tiger. Everyone who want to go the temple must pray below the lantern before go inside the temple. I think it is believed that if we pray below the lantern, we will get lucky or rich.

From my observation, most of Taiwanese are Buddhist, Taoist or Confucius. That is why I often see a lot of temple and Buddha, Taoist or Confucius statues in Taiwan house or road. Especially in county area, most of the house have their own altar to put their incense or devoting there.