Beixuan Temple Introduction
Beiji Xuantian Temple's main deity, Beiji Xuantian Shangdi, is famously known as the "Ancestor of Orchids." During the sacred anniversary celebrations, a series of orchid festival activities are held, which have been ongoing for 16 years, even longer than the Tainan International Orchid Exhibition. Various exotic orchids compete for rankings decided by lot drawing, adding a unique quality to the temple's celebrations. Beiji Xuantian Temple and Ciyuan Temple, located less than a kilometer apart, originate from the same lineage. However, over 60 years ago, a severe conflict arose between the Shangfan and Xiafan tribes regarding the distribution of ritual offerings after a festival, leading to a split and more than 60 years of non-interaction. In 2012, just before the Mazu Festival, "Mazu" appeared in a dream to Gong Taiwen, the chairman of the Pingtung County Ai Lan Association, instructing him to hold an orchid exhibition on her birthday to welcome the neighboring village of Qiaoxing's Changrong Community's "Ciyuan Temple" Mazu for "orchid appreciation," resolving the long-standing feud. That year, remarkably, two orchid exhibitions were held.
