San Shan Guo Wang Temple Introduction
The Three Mountains King Temple, located in Jiouju Township, Jiouming Village, was established in 1651 (the fifth year of the Ming Yongli era) and has a history of over three hundred years. It is a rare Hakka ancient temple that has not undergone much renovation or expansion, still maintaining its traditional architectural layout, and has been designated as a third-level cultural heritage site. The term "Three Mountains" originally refers to three famous mountains in Guangdong, China - Du Mountain, Ming Mountain, and Jin Mountain. The local residents, who respect the mountain gods, developed the local belief in the "Three Mountains King." According to local literature, the legend of the Three Mountain Gods first appeared during the Sui Dynasty. These three mountain deities claimed to be brothers who received divine orders and guarded Du Mountain, Ming Mountain, and Jin Mountain. There is also a story that during the Song Dynasty, they assisted in expanding the territory, leading to successful conquests and were subsequently enfeoffed as the Three Mountains Kings. Although these legendary stories are difficult to verify, they have deeply consolidated the religious beliefs of the local Hakka community, allowing the faith to take root throughout the area. In terms of appearance, the roof of the Jiouju Three Mountains King Temple features a swallow-tail design with a three-ridge structure, giving it a streamlined look from a distance. The architectural layout consists of three halls and two side rooms, decorated with Jiaozi pottery, wooden beams and columns, and stone wall columns. The intricate decorations and carvings of flowers, birds, gods, and beasts showcase great craftsmanship. The halls are connected by side corridors, with a front courtyard and a middle courtyard. The hanging plaques such as "Wisdom Light Nanhai" and "Mighty Eastern Sea," as well as the deity's shrine, incense burners, and fortune-telling boxes, are all precious historical artifacts. The annual cultural festival, "Three Mountains King Temple's King's Return Home," is a significant event primarily where devotees from Lintou Township visit the Jiouju Three Mountains King Temple to welcome the King and Queen back home as the opening ceremony. After several days, the faithful from Jiouju Township invite the King and Queen back for their return journey. The climax of the event is when the newly born boys of that year carry incense and lanterns to follow the King and Queen in a procession, praying for peace and prosperity in the area. It is a religious ceremony that combines warm imagery with sacred observance.
