Learn something about Temple of Mazu Goddess

The Sky Palace is located in Huanghua hill, Xingcun village of Fujian province, firstly built in 300 years ago. Usually Mazu temples always are built by the sea, but the sky palace a little from the sea. It might sound like some kind royal palace , as a matter of fact, it is a temple of the Goddess of the Sea-Mazu.

Xingcun village is situated in the first turn of Jiuqu stream, the stream where immortals gather around. According to the local folk story, the village is transformed from the stars on the sky, so the temple is called The Sky Palace. In ancient times, Xing village (an optional for China travel deals) was a famous tea market and businessmen from everywhere swarmed here and made transactions. Most of them shipped their goods on the sea so they needed to be blessed by the sea goddess.

Legend has it Mazu could ride the waves on the sea. For this she is also called “the Magic lady” or “the Dragon Lady”. As the goddess of the sea, Mazu enjoys a high prestige among the temples in China and South Asian. Currently there are more than 6000 Mazu temples in 28 countries. Unlike other gods, Mazu is originated from a real person called Linmo.

In Song dynasty, a woman gave birth to a beautiful baby girl and she named her as Linmo. Linmo was a smart and kind kid when she was little. Because of living by the sea, she had amazing water skills and always came to the sea rescuing those fishermen that were trapped in the sea. One time she even lit her house to let the boat on the sea sea where the home was. However, during a horrible storm night, she sacrificed her life for helping people. She was only 28 years old. Everyone couldn’t accept the fact she was gone, rather believed she became the goddess of the sea, guarding them forever.

The Sky Palace looks really like a royal palace, very majestic. So don’t miss it for your Holidays in China. It’s worth mentioning that the tablet on the top is vertical, according to the ancient rules, such tablets could be only used in royal palace, which means even ancient emperors took Mazu Goddess very series. There are three parts of the Sky Palace, the Grand Hall, the Back-side Hall, and the Right and Left Hall. Every tiny part is carefully designed and built, patterns of folk story figures and dragon, phoenix carved on the front gate, symbolizing the majesty of the Mazu Goddess. Looking the palace from the distance, it looks just like a boat, what a brilliant design!

Every year from August to Mid-autumn festival, a ton of pilgrims would fill the Sky Palace. They burn incense and fake paper money for Mazu Goddess, wishing a happy and prosperous life and being blessed by Mazu forever. In the mean time, the monks inside temple would chant and worship. Tourists can watch special shows performed by the Xingcun villagers during China trips as well.