Department of Cultural Affairs

Beitou Grotto for the Buddhist Deity Acala

The Acala Grotto is a rare example of a Buddhist grotto in Taiwan. Acala is one of the Five Wisdom Kings of Vajrayana, or Tantric Buddhism. A guardian deity generally portrayed with a fearsome appearance, Acala is also held to be an embodiment of the Buddha. Acala (Fudo in Japanese) is commonly venerated by the Shingon sect of Buddhism in Japan, but rarely seen in Taiwan. Japanese businessman Sano Sotaro established the grotto in 1925 in conjunction with his hot spring hotel, chiseling the small cave in the rock, and placing in it a small idol of Acala. With a hand-washing basin in front and a clear-spring waterfall at the side of the grotto, it is a tranquil and elegant locale.