TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — After departing Gongtian Temple in Miaoli on May 2, the annual Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage completed its return trip on Sunday afternoon.
Despite the heavy rain, large crowds gathered around the Gongtian Temple in Miaoli to welcome Mazu’s return after her journey of over 300 kilometers. After 10 days traveling to Beigang Chaotian Temple in Yunlin and back, the pink palanquin carrying the goddess’ idol arrived at about 3:45 p.m., reported UDN.
The Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage is Taiwan's second-largest religious pilgrimage, after the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage. This year’s Baishtun pilgrimage was the largest in the event’s history, with more than 700,000 people estimated to have joined, reported LTN.
The Baishatun pilgrimage is unique because it does not follow a predetermined course to its destination in Yunlin. Instead, those carrying the palanquin claim they can divine the route the goddess wishes to travel on her journey, which can make the pilgrimage unpredictable and challenging.
This year’s pilgrimage entered Nantou County for the first time since the event was held in the 1860s. On the sixth night, the palanquin rested at Songbailing Shoutian Temple in Nantou’s Mingjian Township to the delight of residents, per LTN.
After the ceremony to reinstate the idol in Gongtian Temple on Sunday evening, the curtains in front of her pedestal were drawn closed to allow the goddess a period of rest after her long journey. They will remain closed until May 22, when normal worship activities will resume.
Baishatun Temple expressed gratitude to everyone who joined this year’s pilgrimage. Organizers and temple officials hope that everyone who joined and made it a success will receive Mazu’s blessings over the coming year, and that the goddess looks forward to seeing everyone again in the spring of 2026.
