Confucius Temple

The Confucius Temple is a symbol of ancient Chinese Confucian culture. It was mandatory for prefecture and county capitals to build Confucius Temples to represent Chinese culture. In front of the temple is a plaque inscribed with 'Dacheng Hall'. Inside the temple, the main deity enshrined is the spiritual tablet of Confucius, the Great Sage and Teacher, accompanied by the spiritual tablets of Yan Hui, Zisi, Zilu, and seventy-two other disciples. The temple's decorations are simple and elegant, exuding a solemn and dignified beauty. During sacrificial ceremonies, bells and drums chime in unison, with dances and music performed according to ritual, fully showcasing the excellent heritage of Chinese culture. However, due to damage during the Japanese colonial period, few ancient artifacts remain. Only the 'Record of Rebuilding the Temple of Literature' stele on the left side of Dacheng Hall is the oldest surviving relic from the 20th year of Jiaqing (1815). The inscription is still relatively clear, but the stele is covered with moss due to its age. History Snippets: * The Confucius Temple (Temple of Literature) in Chiayi was first built in the 45th year of Kangxi (1706 AD). * The 'Record of Rebuilding the Temple of Literature' stele, located in front and to the left of the Confucius Temple, was erected in the 20th year of Jiaqing (1815 AD). * In the 32nd year of Guangxu (1907 AD), after the great Chiayi earthquake, Confucius's spiritual tablet was moved to Wenchang Pavilion, and then temporarily placed in Nanmen Sheng Shen Temple. * In the 50th year of the Republic of China (1961), the Confucius Temple was rebuilt in Chiayi Park, and the temple stele was moved to the side of the new temple. * In the 53rd year of the Republic of China (1964), the Confucius Temple was constructed at its current location in the park, and Confucius's sacred tablet was enshrined in Dacheng Hall. Site Construction: Founded: Kangxi 45th year (1706 AD) Current construction: Started in the 51st year of the Republic of China (1962), completed in the 51st year of the Republic of China (1962).