Three Mountain King Temple Introduction
The San Shan Guo Wang Temple, located in Jiuming Village of Jiuru Township, was established in 1651 (the 5th year of the Ming Yongli era), making it over three hundred years old. It is a rare Hakka ancient temple that has not undergone significant renovation or expansion and still retains its traditional architectural layout. It has been designated as a Class 3 historic site. "San Shan" originally refers to three famous mountains in Guangdong, China—Du Mountain, Ming Mountain, and Jin Mountain. The local residents, out of reverence for the mountain gods, developed the local belief in the "San Shan Guo Wang." According to local literature, the earliest legends of the Three Mountain Gods appeared during the Sui Dynasty, where these three brothers claimed their divine authority and protected Du Mountain, Ming Mountain, and Jin Mountain. There is also a story that during the Song Dynasty, they assisted in expanding territories, which led to the establishment of the dynasty, earning them the title of Three Kings. Although these legendary stories are difficult to verify, they have profoundly formed the religious beliefs of the local Hakka community. In terms of appearance, the temple features a swallow-tail styled three-ridge roof, giving it a streamlined look from a distance. The architectural layout consists of three main halls and two side rooms, adorned with decorations made of Jianzhuh pottery, wooden beams and pillars, and stone columns, demonstrating intricate craftsmanship in the painted decorations of flowers, birds, deities, and beasts. The halls are connected by side corridors, accompanied by front and middle temple squares. A number of precious historical artifacts can be found inside the temple, such as the plaques "Hui Guang Nanhai" and "Wei Zhen Haidong," the deity shrine, incense burner, and fortune-telling tube. The annual cultural festival "San Shan Guo Wang Temple Wang Ye Nai Nai Returns to Her Parental Home" begins with devotees from Linluo Township welcoming the Wang Ye Nai Nai back to her parental home at the San Shan Guo Wang Temple in Jiuru Township. After several days, the devotees from Jiuru Township take turns welcoming the Wang Ye Nai Nai back to her residence. The highlight of the event is when young boys born in the current year carry incense and lanterns while following the Wang Ye Nai Nai in a procession, praying for the local prosperity and peace, creating a warm and harmonious religious ritual.
