When worshipping at Guandu Temple, you have to follow the traditional worshipping route. As the saying goes, “Entering from the dragon’s throat and exiting from the tiger’s mouth”, the architecture considers Chinese geomancy of ‘Green Dragon’ for entering on the left and ‘White Tiger’ for exiting on the right. The left and right positions, however, follow where the deity effigies are placed.
Due to the endless stream of pilgrims and worshippers in Guandu Temple, the Dragon doorway and Tiger doorway are added at the two sides of the Sanchuan Hall. These doorways are the main entrance and exit for worshippers today.
The main deity worshipped in Guandu Temple is Mazu, the Holy Mother in Heaven. According to the convention of Mazu Temple, Guanyin is worshipped at the left of Mazu (right side). Lord Wenchang is worshipped at the other side (left side), blessing those seeking for fame. Therefore, when you worship at Guandu Temple, you could prepare six joss sticks at the incense paper reception and worship deities according to the following routes:
1. Tian Gong Altar: In front of San Chuan Hall
2. Matsu Hall: The main deity: Matsu
3. Guanyin Hall: Right of the main hall (left of Matsu)
4. Wenchang Wang Hall: Left of the main hall (right of Matsu)
After completing the route above, insert joss sticks in the censer. Now you have completed the main worshipping procedure. However, you can also step onto Lingxiao Treasure Hall to worship Jade Emperor, Three Great Emperor Officials, Imperial Lord Donghua, and Golden Mother of the Shining Lake. Since you have worshipped Heavenly Emperor (Tiangong) Censer at the beginning of your worshipping process, it is regarded as worshipping Jade Emperor. Therefore, you do not have to worry about not stepping onto Lingxiao Treasure Hall. You can also continue worshipping Ancient Buddha Pit, Medicine Buddha Hall, and Buddha in Guangdu Temple, with joss sticks near the halls.