Baishatun Gongtian Temple Introduction
During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, the early settlers invited the soft-bodied Mazu to be worshipped in their homes, and later in the second year of Tongzhi, a temple was built to enshrine her, which is known as "Gongtiangong." Locally, it is referred to as "Baishatun Mazu." The exterior of Gongtiangong is majestic, adorned with intricate and colorful cut-out decorations on the roof and gold leaf on the eaves, making it truly splendid. Year after year, the pilgrimage of Baishatun Mazu on foot has continued for over a century, which is longer than the existing Mazu pilgrimage activities in other regions of Taiwan. Beyond the significance of the religious ritual, in today's busy Taiwanese society, another charming aspect of the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage is the warmth of human connection among the devotees, free of barriers. For a long time, Baishatun, due to its remote location, has had residents who live simply and frugally, with every annual pilgrimage to Beigang requiring them to take the most arduous route by foot. Over time, the sincere ancestors of Baishatun have cultivated a spirit of mutual support and perseverance along the pilgrimage path, forming a unique cultural landscape. Today, as I walk among the parade of pilgrims toward Baishatun Mazu, we can naturally feel the rich humanity that is a treasure passed down by the ancestors of Baishatun under the guidance of Mazu. The entire journey is on foot, with the palanquin determining its own course. Compared to other Mazu pilgrimage activities across Taiwan, what makes the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage particularly captivating is the route, which is determined solely by the palanquin. Many devotees firmly believe that there are no human-controlled factors involved and that it is truly guided by divine will toward Beigang. Under divine guidance, the devotees not only experience their own insignificance but also learn to humbly observe the events around them, especially when receiving items from passersby during times of hunger; even a cup of water, a bowl of porridge, or a simple greeting of care or encouragement leaves a deep impression. Many who join the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage find themselves returning the following year because such a rich cultural experience is unique in Taiwan and is a pilgrimage journey that every Taiwanese person must experience at least once in their lifetime.
