Historical Origin of Kun Iam Small Temple

Commonly known as Kun Iam Rock Temple or Kun Iam Grotto Temple, the name “觀音岩” (Kun Iam Rock) was inscribed on a stone plaque lying outside its entrance while “觀音巖” (Kun Iam Grotto) is written on a wooden tablet inside the Temple. The Chinese characters “岩” and “巖” are mutually interchangeable, bearing the meaning of rock, grotto or a high and steep cliff. Allegedly, the statue of Kun Iam (Goddess of Mercy) was enshrined in a grotto for veneration by believers for quite some time before they raised funds to build a temple in front of it. The Temple is small and is not often frequented by worshippers. There is an inscription of “佛心” (Buddhist heart) on the upper part of the steep side of the huge rock next to the grotto.

　　The plaques of the Temple tell about its reconstruction. In the 13th year of reign of Emperor Tongzhi of Qing dynasty (1874), the Temple lying along the seaside was severely damaged by a big fire. It underwent large-scale reconstruction two years later.