Goddess of Mercy | Avalokitesvara
Guanyin is one of the most widely worshipped deities in Taiwan, found in almost every household. She represents infinite compassion and the vow to save all suffering beings. Her forms are diverse, including the White-Robed Guanyin, Child-Giving Guanyin, and Thousand-Hand Guanyin. In Taiwan, she is revered not only in Buddhism but also in Taoism and folk religion, affectionately called 'Guanyin Ma' (Mother Guanyin).
The 'Universal Gate Chapter' of the Lotus Sutra states that if suffering beings call upon Guanyin's name, she will 'perceive the sound' and come to their rescue. A popular legend is that of Princess Miao Shan, who refused to marry to pursue a spiritual path. She suffered punishment from her father but eventually sacrificed her own eyes and arms to cure his illness. Her filial piety and compassion moved the heavens, and she attained enlightenment.
Guanyin worship in Taiwan is remarkably inclusive, practiced across Buddhist, Taoist, and folk religion traditions. Devotees offer flowers, fruits, and vegetarian food (as Guanyin is associated with compassion toward all living beings). Reciting the "Great Compassion Mantra" (Da Bei Zhou) or "Namo Guanshiyin Pusa" are common practices. Guanyin is particularly invoked for healing, safe childbirth, and protection during natural disasters. The "Child-Giving Guanyin" (Song Zi Guanyin) aspect is popular among couples seeking fertility. At Longshan Temple, devotees draw fortune sticks and interpret them through divination blocks, a practice that draws hundreds of visitors daily.
Guanyin has three major celebration days: birthday (19th of 2nd lunar month), enlightenment day (19th of 6th lunar month), and renunciation day (19th of 9th lunar month). On these occasions, temples hold vegetarian feasts, sutra chanting sessions, and "liberation of life" ceremonies (releasing animals). Longshan Temple in Taipei sees enormous crowds on these days. The pilgrimage to Guanyin Mountain (Guanyinshan) in New Taipei City is a popular folk tradition, combining religious devotion with hiking. Guanyin worship transcends religious boundaries — she is perhaps the only deity equally revered by Buddhists, Taoists, and folk believers in Taiwan.
Wanhua, Taipei City
Manka Longshan Temple is Taipei's most famous ancient temple. During WWII, the temple was bombed and the main hall destroyed, but the Guanyin statue remained miraculously unharmed.
Linkou, New Taipei City
Dedicated to the Eighteen-Armed Guanyin, this is a major religious center in the Linkou/Taoyuan area, known for its grand architecture and beautiful gardens.
Guanyin Bodhisattva
Great Compassion, Savior from Suffering, Hearer of Cries