Taipei (AsiaNews / Agencies) - One of the most famous and popular Taoist temples in Taiwan has banned the ritual of burning incense during prayers, ostensibly to "fight air pollution and preserve the health of the volunteers and faithful". The custodians of the Hsing Tian Kong temple in Taipei have even removed the two large bronze braziers where sticks were burnt during prayers.
The place of worship is dedicated to Guan Yu, the god who protects merchants and traders, and because of this is highly popular: over 6 million people come here every year to ask for help and economic well-being. Despite being relatively new (built in 1967), it is considered one of the most beautiful and characteristic throughout the entire nation: in total, it covers nearly 7 thousand square meters.
Burning incense is an integral part of many Eastern religions. After having bought the incense in the temple, the faithful hold the sticks as they pray, bowing to the gods. After the prayer, they light them and - thanks to the plumes of smoke - they are believed to carry the peoples petitions to heaven.
The decision to ban incense - as of August 26 - is partly from studies showing that the presence of PM 2.5 (particulate powders released into the air of 2.5 micrometers per cubic meter) is from 5 to 16 times higher in the vicinity of the temple. However, many of the faithful believe that the presence of dust pollution is not due to incense but contrary winds, which carry smog from Taipei's industrial area over the temple.
The religious who work in the temple defend their choice: "We do not need to burn incense, at least as long as we have a good moral fiber." Qian Yuanan, one of the faithful, agrees: "It is sufficient to put our hands together and make a prayer in our heart ." However, by her own admission Qian does not attend the temple regularly: "Let's say once in a while".