Guanyin Temple
Goddess of Mercy
She is also the Bodhisattva Guan Yin in the Buddhist religion. Many believe that she blesses women and children and assists pregnant women in giving birth smoothly. Therefore, she is also known as "Guan Yin, the Giver of Children" and enjoys widespread devotion among the common people. In Chinese folk belief, the female image of Guanyin Bodhisattva is very prominent, and she is also often called “Mother Guanyin”. And even though Guanyin Bodhisattva had long attained Buddhahood, she decided to remain a Bodhisattva in order to save the world, and hence she is also often called “Guanyin Fozu” as well. The Chinese devotees believe that Guanyin Bodhisattva is known for her compassion. As the Lord of the Flaming Face (Mianran Dashi or Dashiye) is the subordinate (or incarnation) of Guanyin Bodhisattva, hence the image of Guanyin Bodhisattva at the top of the Dashiye’s head is responsible for the salvation and feeding of wandering souls during the Hungry Ghosts Festival in the seventh Lunar month.
There is a large statue of Goddess of Mercy worshipped in the Hall of Guanyin, opposite to the Hall of the Tai Sui. She is golden colour overall and standing on lotus, holding jade jar, covering red cloak decorated with lotus and cloud.
Eight Immortals
The Eight Immortals are a group of legendary xian (“immortals”)in Chinese mythology. Each immortal's power can be transferred to a vessel(法器)that can bestow life or destroy evil. Together, these eight vessels are called the “Covert Eight Immortals"(暗八仙). Most of them are said to have been born in the Tang or Shang dynasty. They are revered by the Taoists and are also a popular element in the secular Chinese culture. They are said to live on a group of five islands in the Bohai Sea, which includes Mount Penglai.
Li Tieguai: Also known as “lron- crutch Li” , who always carries a crutch and a gourd; he is the emblem of the sick.
Zhong Liquan: Usually shown with a fan and represents the military man.
Lan Caihe: The strolling singer, either a woman or a young boy, shown with a flower-basket; patron deity of florist.
Zhang Guolao: A long live man said to have lived in the7th or early 8th century, shown as a rule with his mule, and carrying a bamboo tube-drum with iron sticks; he is the emblem of old men.
He Xiangu: A woman, said to have lived in the late 7th century, shown with a lotus blossom or flower basket, and occasionally with a peach and sheng reed-organ.
Lv Dongbin: Born c.755 AD, died 805 AD, shown with a fly-whisker, is dressed as a scholar, and honored as such. He also had a magic sword with which he performed freak feats, for which reason he is also the patron deity of barbers.
Han Xiangzi: Said to be the nephew of the Tang dynasty statesman and scholar Han Yu(韩愈), is often shown with a flute, and patron deity of musicians.
Cao Guojiu: Said to have been connected with the Sung Imperial family, and is generally shown with castanets or a jade tablet of admission to court; patron deity of actors.