Hidden in a small alley, this temple has a 146-year history #Zhexiantang - West Central District, Tainan

#AugustGoodPlaces2025
On my way to visit the Confucius Temple and Wude Hall, I saw a sign with an arrow on a utility pole that read "Municipal Historic Site - Zexian Hall." Curious, I headed down the alley. Zexian Hall, a municipal historic site, is located in Tainan City's West Central District, near Wude Hall. Tucked away in a narrow alley, the name suggests a building related to literature. Upon entering, I discovered it's a 146-year-old temple. The main hall of Zexian Hall, also known as the Main Hall, deifies Guanyin Bodhisattva, while shrines house Skanda, the guardian deity Kāla, Living Buddha Jigong, Maitreya Buddha, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, and the Thousand-Armed Guanyin. The left hall, also known as the Guanyin Hall, is dedicated to Guanyin Bodhisattva, while the right hall is dedicated to Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. A staff member explained the history of Zexian Hall and its highlights, including the carved beams and painted rafters, the painted main hall entrance, and the Heart Sutra carved into a wooden dining table in front of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. Under the guidance of the elderly gentleman, we passed through the flat door in front of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and entered another hall, where Sakyamuni Buddha is enshrined. Due to renovations, the entire hall lacks the historic feel of the Main Hall. Zexian Hall is small, so a quick tour might take less than five minutes. However, as the saying goes, "small but comprehensive," you'll discover its architectural beauty if you take the time.

Post by 祥.要去旅行 | Aug 8, 2025