Chaotian Temple in Beigang Town is one of the oldest and most renowned temples dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu on the island of Taiwan. For centuries, this temple has been a beacon of faith and culture, drawing pilgrims and visitors who seek blessings from the revered deity.
In the 1970s, a local resident named Tsai Fu-hsiung, who grew up in the shadow of Chaotian Temple, embarked on a personal quest to uncover the origins and stories surrounding Mazu. His fascination with the goddess and her influence on local culture led him on an extraordinary journey of discovery.
Tsai's research took him beyond the familiar confines of his hometown, across the Taiwan Strait to Meizhou Island in Fujian Province on the Chinese mainland. Meizhou Island is widely regarded as the birthplace of Mazu and holds immense historical and spiritual significance. This journey not only deepened Tsai's understanding of the goddess but also highlighted the shared cultural heritage between the residents of Taiwan and the people on the Chinese mainland.
The story of Chaotian Temple and Tsai's voyage of discovery underscores the enduring connections that transcend geographical boundaries, fostering a sense of shared identity and cultural appreciation across the Taiwan Strait.
Reference(s):
How a temple on the island of Taiwan inspired a voyage of discovery
cgtn.com
