Neipu Tianhou Temple Introduction
Neipu Tianhou Temple is dedicated to the Red-faced Mazu and is the oldest Mazu temple in the Liudui area of Hakka culture. Construction began in the eighth year of the Jiaqing period in the Qing Dynasty (1803 AD) and took over two years, with its official completion in the tenth year of Jiaqing (1805 AD). The temple is not only the center of faith for the residents of Liudui but also served as an important location for the discussions of military strategies by the Liudui volunteer army. With a history of over 100 years, Neipu Tianhou Temple possesses many ancient plaques and stone tablets, holding high cultural and artistic value. It has been designated as a national third-class historic site and is a representative historical building in the Neipu area. The temple is divided into the front hall, the worship hall, and the main hall, forming a "工" (gong) shape. Upon closer inspection of the temple beams, dragon pillars, and roof supports, one can appreciate the exquisite carvings. Although the temple has undergone several renovations, its appearance and some decorative features have retained their original quality. For instance, the dragon pillars in the front and main halls are carved with a single dragon, representing an early Qing carving style; the stone pillow in the front hall is rectangular, differing from conventional forms; and the stone incense burner in the center of the main hall is designed in the traditional Hakka style, with a rectangular base stone on the ground, reflecting the ancient customs that have been passed down. In addition, Neipu Tianhou Temple also houses several plaques and stone tablets issued during the Qing Dynasty, such as the "恩庇水陸" plaque from the tenth year of Jiaqing, the "慈航普濟" plaque from the eighth year of Xianfeng, the "與天同功" plaque from the Guangxu period, the "封禁古令埔" stone tablet, and the "建造天后宮碑記" stone tablet. These are not only invaluable ancient artifacts but also crucial historical documents recording the development of the Liudui Hakka community.
