Donggang Donglong Temple Introduction
Donglong Temple was first built in 1706 (the 45th year of the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty), but a devastating tsunami in 1894 (the 20th year of the Guangxu era) completely destroyed the temple’s foundation, leading to its relocation and reconstruction, resulting in the Donglong Temple we see today. Donglong Temple is a vital center of faith in Donggang, particularly known for its "King Worship Ceremony," which occurs every three years and has become a grand event for the entire community. The "Burning of the King's Boat" ritual elevates the atmosphere of this religious event to its peak, forming a festival culture recognized throughout Taiwan. The main deity worshipped at Donglong Temple is the deity known as Wenfu Qiansui, whose name is Wenh, courtesy name Dexiu. He was born in 609 AD (the 5th year of the Sui Yang Emperor's Daye era), coinciding with the Tang Dynasty's Zhenguan era. According to legend, Wen Hong saved Emperor Taizong of Tang during one of his secret inspections, earning him recognition along with thirty-six others who also aided the emperor, all of whom were subsequently honored as jinshi (those who have achieved the highest academic degree). Due to their successes against bandits across various regions, the fame of the thirty-six jinshi gradually spread, and Wen Hong was further granted the title of Wangye (Prince). During another imperial inspection by boat, a disaster sank the vessel, leading to the drowning of all thirty-six jinshi. Grieved yet believing in divinity, Emperor Taizong posthumously conferred the title "Daitian Xunshou" (Divine Patrol on Behalf of Heaven) and ordered the construction of the "Wen Wang Boat," which enshrines the deities of Wen Wangye and his sworn brothers. The king boat features an imperial inscription stating "Youfu Chifu, Youxian Chixian" (to visit the government and county offices respectfully), declaring to the public the importance of worship and reverence. The residents of Donggang, who rely on the sea for their livelihood, thus believe that if they sincerely worship, the sea god Wen Wangye will surely bless Donggang with peace. Donglong Temple adopts an architectural style featuring three halls and five gates with a double-eaved roof. In front of the temple is a magnificent, intricately carved San Chuan-style archway, presenting an imposing presence. Despite undergoing reconstruction, many historical artifacts remain preserved, including a century-old plaque, a blue stone dragon pillar, the old Wen Wang boat that blesses safe passage, and an ancient bronze bell rumored to be indestructible even after multiple attempts at melting it down, all worthy of admiration. The King Boat Ritual at Donglong Temple, held every three years, traces its origins back to the development history of Donggang. With the mission of prayer and warding off disasters, the ritual strictly follows the ceremonial traditions handed down from the Qing Dynasty, comprising a total of thirteen different rituals. Key ceremonies include making the king boat, inviting the king, passing through fire, processions, moving the boat, and sending off the king, culminating in the burning of the king boat and the winding down of the ceremony. The King Boat Festival is not only lengthy and grand in scale but also consistently filled with a solemn and serious religious atmosphere, thus earning the title "North West Port, South Donggang" among all king boat festivals in Taiwan.
