Anticipation for 'Double Mazu Meeting' as Baishatun Mazu Returns; Gongtian Temple: All Depends on Mazu's Guidance

Central News Agency (Reporter Chiang Yi-ching, Yunlin County, April 17) - The Baishatun Mazu palanquin from Miaoli Gongtian Temple arrived at Beigang Chaotian Temple in Yunlin yesterday morning for pilgrimage, completed the 'Kuo Huo' (fire-sharing) ceremony in the evening, and set off for its return journey in the early hours of today. Many are looking forward to a meeting with Dajia Zhenlan Temple's Mazu, and Gongtian Temple stated that everything will depend on Mazu's guidance.

Known as the 'Pink Supercar', this year's Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage saw the main Mazu from Gongtian Temple, the Lu Zhu Mazu, and Shanbian Mazu travel together, leading over 460,000 pilgrims on an 8-day, 7-night walking pilgrimage. They arrived at Beigang Chaotian Temple yesterday and began their return journey at 0:10 AM today.

The Kuo Huo ceremony was presided over by Gongtian Temple Chairman Hung Wen-hua, Yunlin County Magistrate Chang Li-shan, Miaoli County Magistrate Chung Tung-chin, and others, with nearly a thousand pilgrims participating. Everyone collectively recited over 1,600 prayer scrolls, which were then placed one by one into the 'Ten Thousand Year Incense Burner', creating a magnificent scene.

Hung Wen-hua stated that due to over 460,000 registered participants this year, the format of the prayer scrolls was slightly adjusted. In previous years, each scroll listed 168 pilgrims' names; this year, it was changed to 288 names per scroll, resulting in over 1,600 scrolls. Reciting the prayers alone took 2 to 3 hours, after which the ceremony was completed, and the palanquin set off for its return.

The palanquin traveled north along Provincial Highway 19 this morning and has already reached Lunbei Township in Yunlin County.

Dajia Zhenlan Temple's Mazu in Taichung City will set off at 10:05 PM tonight for a 9-day, 8-night circumambulation pilgrimage. As the Baishatun Mazu palanquin heads north, many anticipate the 'Double Mazu Meeting'.

Gongtian Temple stated that the Mazu palanquin began its return journey in the early hours of today and is expected to arrive in Tongxiao, Miaoli, on the afternoon of April 19, and return to Gongtian Temple at 4:10 PM on the afternoon of April 20. The return speed of the Mazu palanquin is faster than its outward journey.

Gongtian Temple said that the current route of the Mazu palanquin is near the coastal line, while Dajia Mazu's palanquin travels along Provincial Highway 1. The 'Double Mazu Meeting' still awaits Baishatun Mazu's guidance and needs to consider traffic factors, as there are many pilgrims following Baishatun Mazu, and Dajia Mazu has many procession groups. (Editor: Lee Hsi-chang) 1150417

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