City God Temples

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City God Temples

Cheng-Huang Miao (City God Temple) was built in every administrative center in traditional Chinese society. Cheng-Huang, city god of justice, is the final judge of each soul of those who die within his parish. People worship the deity for good account. For believing the power of Cheng-Huang, every new local magistrate must worship him before inauguration.

Same as the administrative government, Cheng-Huang are different in levels. There are three important Cheng-Huang Miao of different hierarchy in Tainan. The layout of the temple is similar as official courthouse and the atmosphere is dismal for Chen-Huang commits criminal and jurisdictional affairs.

In 1669, Tainan Fu Cheng-Huang Miao, listed as Grade II historical landmark, was built. The temple is the largest and most important in Tainan with many tablets inscribed phrases of good manners. The most famous is Erh Lai Liao(Here you come)

There are two generals, "harbingers of death ", among the Cheng-Huang's retinue. Hsieh, wearing white sackcloth for mourning, depict his tongue out Fan has a black face indicative of drowning. Many other punitive implements are also noticeable except the statue of deities to judge the sins and good deeds of the people.

In Tainan, Hsien Cheng-Huang Miao built in 1711 and A ping Cheng Cheng-Huang Miao built in 1807 are both famous. It is unique the portraits of Niu-Tou Ma-Men in Taiwan.