Yongzheng Temple Introduction
Yongzheng Temple is located in Tianliao Village, Toufen City, just over a kilometer from Zhunan Township. The temple is majestic yet unpretentious, with an ancient banyan tree providing shade in a serene environment. In the third year of the Xianfeng era (1853), the Qing Dynasty scholar Xu Yingjian, also known as Fengnan, initiated the construction of Yongzheng Temple in Tianliao. After its completion, the divine spirit shone brightly, leading residents of Toufen, Sanwan, Nanzhuang, Emei, Beipu, Zaoqiao, Zhunan, as well as those from Hsinchu and Miaoli to worship, uniting the people's hearts towards goodness. The temple predominantly enshrines Ma Zu (Princess of Heaven), and the statue of Ma Zu in the inner hall has a solemn demeanor. To the right is the statue of Wang Guangze, which is tall and magnificent; this deity is a guardian of immigrants from Quanzhou, demonstrating that Yongzheng Temple's devotees come from both Fujian and Guangdong backgrounds. To the left is the statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva, with the statue of Fa Miao Xian Ren enshrined alongside Ma Zu, which is noteworthy as it is a rare practice in Mazu temples across Taiwan. The side halls are dedicated to Wenchang Dijun, Fude Zhengshen, and Changsheng Lu. The interior of the temple shimmers with gold, and various carvings are exquisitely crafted. Important annual festivals are held three times: February 23 in the lunar calendar - The Birthday of the Goddess; April 8 in the lunar calendar - The Goddess's Procession; July 15 in the lunar calendar - The Zhongyuan Festival.
