Donggang Donglong Temple Introduction
Donglong Temple was initially built in 1706 (the 45th year of the Kangxi era), but in 1894 (the 20th year of the Guangxu era), a tsunami completely destroyed the temple's foundation, prompting its relocation and reconstruction, resulting in the Donglong Temple we see today. Donglong Temple is a significant center of faith in Donggang, especially during the "Ying Wang Festival," which occurs every three years and has nearly become a national event for Donggang. The "burning of the king's boat" ritual elevates the religious atmosphere of this event to its peak, forming a celebrated cultural festival known throughout Taiwan. The deity worshiped at Donglong Temple is Emperor Wen, a figure named Hong with the courtesy name Dexiu, born in 609 AD (the 5th year of the Sui Yangdi's Dà Yè reign), during the early Tang dynasty. According to legend, during an incognito inspection, Emperor Taizong of the Tang dynasty encountered danger, and Wen Hong saved him. Consequently, the thirty-six people who aided in the rescue were granted the title of Jinshi. For their successes in battling bandits in various regions, their renown grew, and Wen Hong was further honored with the title of prince. During another official maritime inspection that faced a sea disaster, all thirty-six Jinshi perished. Grieving for them, Emperor Taizong believed in their ascension and posthumously honored them with the title "Agent of Heaven’s Patrol," ordering the construction of the "Wen Wang boat," which housed the spirit tablets of Wen Wang and his sworn brothers. The boat featured an imperial inscription stating, "Houses in the city feast, counties feast," to proclaim to the populace the need for pious worship. The residents of Donggang, who rely on the sea for their livelihoods, thus believe that with sincere worship, the sea deity, Wen Wang, will surely bless Donggang with peace. Donglong Temple features a three-hall, five-gate building style with a double-eave, raised-roof structure. In front of the temple stands a magnificent and intricately carved San Chuan-style archway, which imposes a superior atmosphere at first glance. Although the temple has undergone reconstruction, many ancient relics have been preserved, such as century-old plaques, stone dragon pillars, an old Wen Wang boat that ensures safe sailing, and a legendary ancient bronze bell that is said to withstand melting, all deserving of visitors' admiration. The Wang Boat Festival occurs every three years and mainly traces back to the historical development of Donggang. With the intent of praying for blessings and exorcising misfortune, it strictly adheres to the ceremonial rituals passed down from the Qing dynasty era. The entire festival consists of thirteen rituals, with significant ones including the creation of the Wang boat, inviting the king, passing through fire, processions, transferring the boat, and sending off the king, culminating in the burning of the Wang boat and the lowering of flags and drums to conclude the event. The Wang Boat Festival is not only time-consuming and grand in scale but also consistently enveloped in a solemn religious atmosphere, earning it the reputation of "North at Xigang, South at Donggang" among Wang Boat Festivals across Taiwan.
