Mazu Pilgrimage Departure Delayed, Gongtian Temple: First-Time Three Mazu Statues in Palanquin Lacked Experience
The Mazu pilgrimage from Miaoli Tongxiao Baishatun Gongtian Temple to Beigang Chaotian Temple experienced a significant delay in departure this year. While some devotees questioned if speeches by politicians were the cause, Gongtian Temple Chairman Hong Wen-hua explained that it was due to the lack of experience in securing three Mazu statues in the palanquin for the first time, denying political speeches as the reason.
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- 📰 Published: April 13, 2026 at 13:37
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Chao Li-yen, Taichung, 13th) The Mazu pilgrimage from Miaoli Tongxiao Baishatun Gongtian Temple to Beigang Chaotian Temple had a longer departure time in the early hours of today. Some devotees questioned whether speeches by politicians were the cause. Gongtian Temple Chairman Hong Wen-hua stated that it was the first time for three Mazu statues to participate in the pilgrimage, and the different arrangement positions inside the palanquin, coupled with lack of experience, caused the delay, not speeches by politicians. Improvements will be made in the future.
The Mazu pilgrimage from Miaoli Tongxiao Baishatun Gongtian Temple to Beigang Chaotian Temple began its journey in the early hours of today. This year, the 'Lu-zhu Mazu' (Chief Incense Master Mazu) is accompanying the pilgrimage. Three Mazu statues in the 'Pink Supercar' palanquin are leading over 460,000 'Xiang Deng Jiao' (pilgrims) on an 8-day, 7-night pilgrimage filled with unknowns and challenges.
Taichung City Mayor Lu Shiow-yen of the KMT, Taipei City Mayor Chiang Wan-an, and several other KMT county mayors, legislators, and public representatives participated in the palanquin mounting ceremony. Some citizens and 'Xiang Deng Jiao' questioned that the Mazu's departure time was somewhat long this year, suspecting that too many speeches by politicians led to the delay.
In response, Hong Wen-hua today, in a joint media interview at Zhenlan Temple, stated that because it was the first time for the 'Lu-zhu Mazu' to participate in the pilgrimage, and there were three Mazu statues participating this time, the Mazu statues needed to be properly secured inside the palanquin before it could set off. He explained that due to lack of experience, it took a longer time, and it was not due to speeches by politicians. Improvements will be made in the future. (Editor: Lin Shu-hui) 1150413
(Central News Agency reporter Chao Li-yen, Taichung, 13th) The Mazu pilgrimage from Miaoli Tongxiao Baishatun Gongtian Temple to Beigang Chaotian Temple had a longer departure time in the early hours of today. Some devotees questioned whether speeches by politicians were the cause. Gongtian Temple Chairman Hong Wen-hua stated that it was the first time for three Mazu statues to participate in the pilgrimage, and the different arrangement positions inside the palanquin, coupled with lack of experience, caused the delay, not speeches by politicians. Improvements will be made in the future.
The Mazu pilgrimage from Miaoli Tongxiao Baishatun Gongtian Temple to Beigang Chaotian Temple began its journey in the early hours of today. This year, the 'Lu-zhu Mazu' (Chief Incense Master Mazu) is accompanying the pilgrimage. Three Mazu statues in the 'Pink Supercar' palanquin are leading over 460,000 'Xiang Deng Jiao' (pilgrims) on an 8-day, 7-night pilgrimage filled with unknowns and challenges.
Taichung City Mayor Lu Shiow-yen of the KMT, Taipei City Mayor Chiang Wan-an, and several other KMT county mayors, legislators, and public representatives participated in the palanquin mounting ceremony. Some citizens and 'Xiang Deng Jiao' questioned that the Mazu's departure time was somewhat long this year, suspecting that too many speeches by politicians led to the delay.
In response, Hong Wen-hua today, in a joint media interview at Zhenlan Temple, stated that because it was the first time for the 'Lu-zhu Mazu' to participate in the pilgrimage, and there were three Mazu statues participating this time, the Mazu statues needed to be properly secured inside the palanquin before it could set off. He explained that due to lack of experience, it took a longer time, and it was not due to speeches by politicians. Improvements will be made in the future. (Editor: Lin Shu-hui) 1150413