The main deity of Lungshan Temple in Taipei is Guanyin Bodhisattva. Although it is a Buddhist temple, there are many other deities enshrined within its narrow precincts. This is a place where Buddhism and Taoism are combined with other indigenous religions. From the point of view of the visitors, it doesn't matter whether the deities are Buddhist or Taoist, as long as they are beneficial. It's a simple thing.
There were many altars here and there in the small precincts of Lungshan Temple, each enshrining a different deity. Each of them seemed to claim different benefits, and visitors would pay their respects in front of the deity that claimed the benefit they were seeking.
As I wandered around the temple grounds, I came to an altar where there were also worshippers paying their respects with their eyes closed. As I looked at the people praying earnestly, I couldn't help but wonder what they were praying for. Although each deity enshrined in the temple has different benefits, the benefits are not written on the altar. Therefore, it is difficult for a stranger to determine which god is claiming what kind of benefit. However, it seemed obvious to the locals, and the locals who came into the precincts seemed to go to the desired deity without hesitation.
Nov 2019 PEOPLE TAIWAN | |
INCENSE STICK LUNGSHAN TEMPLE SERIOUSNESS TAIPEI TEMPLE WORSHIPER |
No
11265
Shooting Date
Jul 2019
Posted On
November 4, 2019
Modified On
April 27, 2021
Place
Lungshan Temple, Taiwan
Genre
Street Photography
Camera
SONY ALPHA 7R II
Lens
ZEISS BATIS 1.8/85