Baisha Keng Wenden Temple Introduction
Built during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, it was originally named "Bao'an Temple." During the Daoguang era, due to the appointment of Zeng Weizhen as a Hanlin scholar from this region, the temple name was changed to "Wen De Temple," symbolizing "protecting the land and securing the people, while promoting literary style and moral education." The emperor conferred a rank on the local earth god equivalent to that of the Hanlin scholar, and awarded a specially granted black hat, making it the only earth god in Taiwan with a royal bestowed official title. Wen De Temple adheres to the traditional lantern welcoming activity that has lasted for over a century, which was registered as a "folk cultural asset" in 2008. After undergoing four relocations, the temple has grown larger with increasing devotion. It features ceremonial gates and righteous paths on both sides, and subsequent additions include the "Five Camps Building" to honor the divine generals and display historical artifacts, enhancing its historical significance.
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