300-Year-Old Temple to Hold First 7-Day Pilgrimage Across Three Towns

For the first time in its 300-year history, the Fuan Temple in Shengang, Changhua County, is set to embark on an unprecedented 7-day pilgrimage for its revered "Shengang Mother" deity. The event, scheduled from July 5 to July 11, will see the deity travel through the Huimei, Xianshan, and Shengang regions, visiting 84 temples along the way.

This extensive tour marks a significant expansion of the temple's traditional religious outreach. Previously, the "Shengang Mother" participated in shorter, localized "An Ying" (camp and patrol) events within a traditional 18-village area. However, this new pilgrimage encompasses the entirety of the three townships, reflecting a desire to bring blessings and peace to a wider community.

Organizers acknowledge the considerable challenge posed by the mid-summer timing, with participants facing intense heat and harsh sunlight. Temple committee chairman Zeng Jin-jin described the pilgrimage as a "test from Mazu" for the devotees. Participants have reportedly been undergoing endurance training in preparation for the demanding journey.

The pilgrimage is planned as the first of a three-year consecutive event, with similar tours scheduled for 2027 and 2028. Following this initial series, the temple committee will assess public feedback to determine the feasibility of making it an annual occurrence. The Fuan Temple itself has a history of resilience, having undergone a significant reconstruction after a fire in 2015 that devastated its main hall and damaged the statue of Mazu. The rebuilt hall was completed in late 2024, and its spiritual significance has only grown since.

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This is a test from Mazu for the devotees.