Radio Taiwan Internatinal
Date: 06 August, 2020
By: Katherine Wei

Mazu, the goddess of the sea, has a devoted following in Taiwan. Thousands follow her statue each year during mass pilgrimages, trekking overland for days on end. But a few go even further, showing a devotion that can scale even the highest heights.

A group of devotees of the sea goddess, Mazu, have scaled the peak of Yushan, Taiwan’s highest point. They set out before sunrise, carrying a statue of the goddess as they go. This particular Mazu is from a temple in Taichung and is revered for answering prayers for rain.

The worshippers excitedly discussed their ascent to the peak, saying that it had been raining the day before, but that the skies were now sunny again. The 35 worshippers also carried statues of Qianliyan and Shunfeng'er, the two guardians of Mazu’s temples.    [FULL  STORY]