Donglong Temple Introduction
Donglong Temple was initially constructed in 1706 (the 45th year of the Kangxi era of the Qing dynasty). However, in 1894 (the 20th year of the Guangxu era of the Qing dynasty), a tsunami destroyed the temple’s foundation, prompting a relocation and reconstruction that led to the current Donglong Temple. It serves as a vital center of faith in Donggang, especially known for the "Wang Festival," held every three years, which has become a public celebration in Donggang. The tradition of burning the "Wang Ship" elevates the religious atmosphere of this event to a peak, making it famous throughout Taiwan for its festival culture. The main deity worshipped at Donglong Temple is Lord Wen, whose name is Hong and style is Dexiu. He was born in 609 AD (the 5th year of the Daye era of the Sui dynasty), during the Tang dynasty's Zhenguan period. Legend has it that during an undercover inspection, Emperor Taizong of Tang encountered danger, and Wen Hong saved him. As a result, he and thirty-six others who joined in the rescue were conferred as Jinshi, later gaining recognition for their success in suppressing bandits across various regions, causing Wen Hong to be further honored as a prince. On one official voyage, a disaster at sea claimed the lives of all thirty-six Jinshi, and out of grief, Emperor Taizong believed in their deification and posthumously conferred them as "Heaven's巡狩" and ordered the construction of the "Wen Wang Ship," enshrining Lord Wen and his sworn brothers. The ship also bears the imperial phrase "游府吃府，游县吃县" to proclaim to the public the necessity of sincere offerings. The residents of Donggang, who rely on the sea for their livelihood, believe that through sincere worship, the sea deity Lord Wen will surely bless Donggang with peace. Donglong Temple features an architectural style of three halls and five gates with a double-eaved, flared roof. In front of the temple stands a magnificent and intricately carved San Chuan-style archway, which commands a magnificent presence. Although the temple has been rebuilt, many ancient relics have been preserved, such as century-old plaques, stone dragon columns, an old Wen Wang ship believed to ensure safe departures, and an ancient bronze bell that supposedly cannot be melted despite repeated attempts, all of which are worth stopping to admire. The Wang Ship Festival, held every three years, traces back to the history of Donggang's development, as it bears the responsibility of blessing, subduing calamities, and alleviating disasters, thus strictly adhering to the ceremonial practices passed down from the Qing era. The entire festival comprises thirteen rituals, including the construction of the Wang Ship, inviting the deity, crossing fire, processions, relocating the ship, and sending off the deity, culminating in the burning of the Wang Ship and the cessation of music and banners. The Wang Ship Festival is not only extensive and time-consuming but also maintains a solemn religious atmosphere, earning the praise that "in the north is Xigang, and in the south is Donggang."
