Cihua Temple

Cihua Temple in Liugui Village primarily worships Immortal Dong Gong, who is the ancestral deity of the Weng clan in Yizhu Township. Records indicate he was one of the guardian deities brought by the Weng clan from Kebang, Anxi, Fujian, when they settled in Erzhuzhuang in the late Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty. Born in the late Sui Dynasty and raised in the Jiangnan region, he was exceptionally intelligent from a young age. Witnessing the chaotic times, he regarded wealth and status as fleeting clouds, thus developing a desire for elegant spiritual cultivation. He put this into practice, disappearing into Tiger Stream, cultivating himself on Vulture Peak, achieving enlightenment in Southern Fujian, and realizing his true nature on the Eastern Foothills. He spread Buddhist teachings in Kebang, Anxi, and manifested his divine powers in Tongcheng. Immortal Dong Gong originally resided in the Western Paradise as an ancient Buddha. He descended to the East to become a revered monk, attaining early insights into Chan Buddhism, elucidating profound mysteries, deeply researching Taoist teachings, mastering subtle essences, and realizing his true nature. With a tranquil heart, he cultivated virtue, subdued myriad demons, enjoyed the freedom of the Pure Land, always opened doors of expedient means, and guided beings in the Saha world, explaining the path for future learners. Thus, he was divinely bestowed the title "Compassionate Savior and Virtuous Celestial Venerable." Later, he became renowned within the Jinbao Temple in Kebang, Anxi, Fujian, and his spiritual presence transformed Cihua Temple. People also refer to him as "Laozu" (Old Ancestor), and he is recognized as one of the seven immortals, including Dong, Xu, Yang, Xu, Wu, Xue, and Zhao. As most of the Weng clan in Yizhu Township migrated from Kebang Township, Anxi, Fujian, and have thrived for nine generations, Immortal Dong Gong's spiritual protection of the Yizhu Weng clan is undeniable. During the late Qing rule, descendants of Weng Guixi Gong and Weng Binxi Gong in Yizhu took turns worshipping him. Currently, two statues of Immortal Dong Gong, known as Da Dong (First Dong) and San Dong (Third Dong), are enshrined in Yizhu Cihua Temple, while Er Dong (Second Dong) is enshrined in Bixing Temple in Yizhu Village. It is understood that in the late Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty, when Immortal Dong Gong was first brought to Yizhu, he was worshipped in a public hall setting. Later, as the descendants of Weng Guixi Gong and Weng Binxi Gong in Yizhu achieved success in their endeavors, they each established their own ancestral halls, allowing for his enshrinement within these halls. The construction of Cihua Temple resulted from Immortal Dong Gong's miraculous manifestations and compassionate salvation, which garnered a response from virtuous devotees from all quarters. The collective will was to build a temple. Mr. Weng Xintai, the village chief (and 1st-term provincial councilor), donated the land. Villagers Weng Tianhua and Weng Guojing, among other devotees, initiated the planning and design, adopting a Song-style palace architecture. Thanks to the sincere donations from benevolent men and women from all walks of life, the inauguration and deity enshrinement ceremony was held on an auspicious date in May 1973, naming it Cihua Temple. Immortal Dong Gong's birthday is set on the 27th day of the 11th lunar month each year. A stage was built in front of the temple plaza, and the left wing was a later expansion, used for devotee meetings and hospitality.