CNEWS Converged News Network reporters Lee Ying -Hsuan, Lin Yu-Wei, and Chen Chiao-Yun / Reporting from Kaohsiung
A nine-day, eight-night pilgrimage on foot led by Taoyuan Longde Temple’s SiMaz has drawn tens of thousands of devotees along a journey spanning more than 400 kilometers. The procession entered Kaohsiung today (April 11), welcomed by over a hundred temples along the route. Passing through districts including Gangshan, Qiaotou, Nanzi, Renwu, Zuoying, Sanmin, and Lingya, the pilgrimage ultimately arrived in Fengshan District. A welcoming ceremony was held at Fengling Square at noon, with the deity later stationed overnight at Wujia Longcheng Temple. Covering more than 400 kilometers across nine cities and counties, and stopping at seven temples, the pilgrimage has set a record as the longest walking religious procession in Taiwan.
To welcome the arrival of SiMaz from Taoyuan, Wujia Longcheng Temple coordinated with over a hundred temples across southern Taiwan, including Fengyi Tiangong Temple and Kaizhang Shengwang Temple, to host a grand reception ceremony and group worship at Fengling Square. Fireworks lit up the sky, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Temple chairman Lin Chin-hui noted that previous pilgrimages organized by Longde Temple typically involved walking to Lukang Tianhou Temple before returning north. This year, however, repeated invitations from Wujia Longcheng Temple led to the first-ever extension of the pilgrimage all the way to Kaohsiung, marking a rare long-distance route and an unprecedented challenge.
The journey from Taoyuan to Fengshan in Kaohsiung exposed participants to harsh weather conditions, including strong winds, rain, and intense sun. Despite this, devotees and traditional performance troupes remained steadfast throughout the procession, creating deeply moving scenes. The physical and mental endurance required was considerable. Upon arrival at Fengshan Stadium, the warm welcome by Wujia Longcheng Temple and large crowds demonstrated the unifying power of religious culture. Lin also expressed gratitude for divine protection and support from all sectors, noting that the pilgrimage was successfully completed through collective effort and guidance from SiMaz.
Temple director Ding Su-chu said the north–south pilgrimage, which has drawn widespread attention in northern Taiwan, reached Fengshan Stadium today. She expressed sincere thanks for the support received along the route, highlighting the efforts of Wujia Longcheng Temple’s chairman and team, as well as numerous volunteers and devotees who warmly welcomed the procession. The solemn and grand ceremony, she said, filled members of Longde Temple with joy and emotion.
This year marks the 19th anniversary of Longde Temple’s pilgrimage tradition. Ding emphasized that the journey is not just a religious procession, but also a shared experience of companionship and mutual care. “We look after one another and those in need along the way. If the Holy Mother gives further guidance in the future, we will continue to move forward with determination and courage,” she said.
A highlight of this year’s pilgrimage was the rare “Fairy Sedan Team,” composed entirely of women personally selected by SiMaz to carry the palanquin. One member shared that two years ago, she prayed at Longde Temple for her father’s health when he was wheelchair-bound. During the ritual, she was chosen by the deity to serve as a “fairy” and joined an eight-day pilgrimage. Her father later gradually recovered through treatment and rest, and is now able to walk normally. When she returned to pray this year, she was again selected, which she believes was destined. She thus committed to the full nine-day pilgrimage, expressing gratitude for SiMaz’s protection over her family.
According to Lin, following instructions from SiMaz, participants will return to Taoyuan by train tomorrow. More than a thousand devotees are expected to join the “Railway Blessing Tour,” praying for the safety of Taiwan Railways and the construction of Taoyuan Railway Station, bringing the nine-day pilgrimage to a meaningful conclusion.
Photo Credit: CNEWS Archive
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