Mabian Zhongyi Temple

Mabian Zhongyi Temple

Mabian Zhongyi Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

After the establishment of the Mabian Hall, in accordance with Qing court ceremonial regulations, local officials were required to worship at the City God Temple and the Temple of Civil and Martial Deities (the Temple of Literature has been demolished but plans are underway for its reconstruction) on the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month. As a result, these temples were built accordingly. Mabian Zhongyi Temple is located on the old Fish Street (present-day Hengjietou on Zhuwang Highway), facing east with its back to the west. It is a single-courtyard structure with a worship pavilion, built from brick and wood, covering an area of approximately 50 square meters, and enshrines Guan Yu, the Martial Sage. The temple has been well preserved and even survived the “Four Olds” destruction campaign during the early stages of the Cultural Revolution thanks to the protection of local residents. The temple has undergone multiple renovations and now boasts beautiful, classic architecture with an antique charm. On the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month, street vendors, merchants, and devotees line up to worship here, praying for wealth, longevity, and peace.

A large plaque inscribed with “Zhongyi Temple” hangs above the main hall of the Martial God Temple. The couplets on either side read: “Loyal to the Han Dynasty, he offered his steadfast heart, shining brighter than the sun and moon; In righteousness at the Peach Garden, he willingly shed his blood, composing a tale for the ages.”

Historically, Guan Yu earned deep admiration from the people for his loyalty, righteousness, and martial valor. Successive dynasties conferred numerous posthumous titles upon him, including “Great Emperor Who Vanquishes Demons” and “Guan Sheng Emperor,” elevating him to the status of Martial Sage alongside Confucius, and including him in national ceremonial worship. Guan Yu is especially widely worshipped in Taiwan, where there are as many as 192 temples dedicated to him. The statue of Guan Yu erected at the Puhuangong Temple on the back hill of Qingcao Lake in Hsinchu stands an impressive 50 meters tall, resembling a deity descending to earth. It is said that the incense offerings from the Guan Yu Temple in Tongling Town, Dongshan County, during the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty had already spread to Taiwan, which is why many Guan Yu temples in Taiwan today regard the Dongshan Guan Yu Temple as their ancestral temple. Overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia also commonly enshrine Guan Yu as a god of wealth in their shops and companies. Ancient and modern folk organizations such as “0 Society,” “Hong Bang,” and “Qing Bang,” which are bound by the code of “brotherhood and loyalty,” hold Guan Yu in particularly high reverence.

The birthday of Guan Yu is celebrated annually on the 13th day of the fifth lunar month. Legend has it that this is the day when the malevolent drought demon Hanba passes through. According to old customs, people would worship on this day to pray for Guan Yu’s divine intervention to drive away evil and disaster. If it rains on this day, it is called “Guan Yu’s Knife-Sharpening Water,” and people customarily refrain from using knives that day. Since ancient times, on the birthday of Guan Yu, Mabian’s Guan Yu Temple has held grand temple fairs that are lively and bustling.

Source: People’s Government of Xiang’an District Author: Hong Shuxun