Taipei｜The legend and history of Hongfa Master in Tianhou Temple in Ximending

In the Taipei Tianhou Temple in Ximending, a side hall enshrines Kobo Daishi. How could Kobo Daishi, who holds an important position in the Japanese Buddhist community, be part of the fusion of Buddhism and Taoism in Taipei? The story begins with the move of Shinshin-gu. Originally this was Hongbo-ji, the Taipei branch of Koyasan. When Shinshin-gu moved in, Hongbo Dashi and temple items were all put into the warehouse, but they also survived a fire in 1953. Legend has it that twenty years after the temple moved into Xinxing Palace, the temple staff heard in their dreams that Master Hongfa expressed that he did not want to be locked up anymore. So in 1968, Master Hongfa was officially enshrined in a side hall. A picture of Master Hongfa is also displayed in the main hall. Many Mazu believers bring vegetarian food to pay homage to Master Hongfa. On the right hand side of the entrance, there are also Buddhist statues and sculptures from the Hongfa Temple, forming a unique style that combines Buddhism and Taoism. Although there is no incense burner in front of Master Hongfa, the temple security guards and believers come to cast divination blocks and ask Master Hongfa for guidance. 📍Address: No. 51, Chengdu Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City 10844 🚗Four minutes walk from Ximen MRT Station #MarchGoodPlaces2025