Dajia Jenn Lann Temple

Located in Dajia District, Taichung City, Dajia Jenn Lann Temple is one of the most iconic Mazu temples in Taiwan, with a history spanning over 200 years. As a major center of local religious belief, the temple remains vibrant year-round, with a constant stream of devotees. It is especially renowned for the annual Mazu Pilgrimage Procession held in the third lunar month, which draws tens of thousands of followers and visitors from Taiwan and abroad. This event has become a globally recognized religious and cultural festival.

Historical Background

The origins of Dajia Jenn Lann Temple date back to the 8th year of Emperor Yongzheng’s reign in the Qing Dynasty (1730 CE). According to legend, a Mazu statue was brought from the Meizhou Mazu Ancestral Temple in Fujian, China, and a small shrine was built two years later (1732 CE) at its current location. As the number of followers grew, the temple underwent several expansions during the Qianlong era and was significantly reconstructed in 1787. Since then, it has been renovated many times, shaping the grand temple seen today.

Pilgrimage Culture

Held annually at the beginning of the third lunar month, the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage is one of the largest and oldest religious events in Taiwan. Devotees accompany the procession on foot through several counties and cities, greeted with great enthusiasm by local temples along the way. This traditional ritual has evolved into a vital part of Taiwan's cultural heritage and attracts significant attention from scholars and media.

Architecture and Art

Jenn Lann Temple features a magnificent layout, including the front, rear, and side halls, as well as bell and drum towers. The temple is richly adorned with intricate stone and wood carvings depicting figures, birds, flowers, and animals in vibrant colors and refined craftsmanship. Dragon pillars, decorative roof ridges, and ornate altars showcase the essence of traditional Taiwanese artistry. The main deity Mazu is enshrined in the central hall, along with other precious statues such as the Violet Jade Mazu and the Golden Mazu. Beneath the temple lies the Mazu Cultural Museum, which exhibits numerous historical artifacts and documents.

Contemporary Significance

Jenn Lann Temple is not only a landmark of Dajia but is also recognized as one of the "Three Treasures of Taichung." It symbolizes the city’s religious and cultural heritage. The temple attracts countless pilgrims and tourists every year, serving as a vital gateway to understanding Taiwan’s traditional faith and folk culture.