Neipu Tianhou Temple Introduction
Neipu Tianhou Temple, dedicated to the Red-faced Mazu, is the oldest Mazu temple in the Liu-Dui Hakka region. It was established in the eighth year of the Jiaqing Emperor's reign (1803) and took over two years to complete, officially finishing in the tenth year of the Jiaqing Emperor's reign (1805). The temple not only serves as a religious center for the residents of Liu-Dui but was also an important place for the Liu-Dui volunteer army to discuss military strategies. With a history of over 100 years, Tianhou Temple retains many ancient plaques and stone tablets, which have significant cultural and artistic value. It is currently designated as a national historical site of level three and is a representative historical building in the Neipu area. The temple consists of a front hall, a worship hall, and a main hall, forming a工字-shaped layout. A closer look at the beams, dragon pillars, and roofing supports reveals intricate carvings. Although the temple has undergone several renovations, its appearance and some decorative carvings have preserved the old style. For instance, the dragon pillars in the front and main halls feature single dragon carvings, which belong to the carving style of the early Qing Dynasty; the stone pillow in the front hall has a rectangular shape, differing from common forms; and the stone incense burner in the center of the main hall is in the traditional Hakka style, with a rectangular platform stone on the ground, all exhibiting the ancient charm that has been passed down through the years. In addition, Tianhou Temple houses many plaques and stone tablets issued during the Qing Dynasty, such as the plaque from the tenth year of the Jiaqing Emperor's reign "Enbi Shui Lu," the plaque from the eighth year of the Xianfeng Emperor's reign "Cihang Pujie," the plaque from the Guangxu period "Yu Tian Tong Gong," the stone tablet "Fengjin Gu Lingpu," and the stone tablet "Jianzao Tianhou Gong Beiji." These are not only precious antiquities but also crucial historical materials documenting the development history of the Liu-Dui Hakka.
