Beichan Temple, Magong

Penghu Attractions

馬公北甲北辰宮

According to legend, during the Tang Dynasty, there were 360 scholars who held both civil and military degrees, all of whom met with misfortune at the same time. The emperor at that time, Emperor Taizong of Tang, sympathized with their innocence and specially conferred upon them the title of "God of Longevity," granting them the duty of patrolling on behalf of heaven. They roamed in and out of government offices and localities, observing the good and evil of the mortal realm. These 360 scholars, following the emperor's decree, organized themselves into groups—some in groups of five and others in groups of three—to patrol various places, each displaying impressive divine power. Whenever their vessels entered port, it would bring good omens, and everywhere they arrived, people would sincerely welcome them at their stations, praying for peace.

Address：No. 4, Lane 7, Zhongzheng Road, Chang'an Village, Magong City, Penghu County

Beichan Temple, Magong Introduction

English: Main Deity: Lord Zhu Festival Date: 18th day of the 5th lunar month According to legend, during the Tang Dynasty, 360 civil and military scholars faced misfortune at the same time. The emperor, Tang Taizong, out of compassion for their innocence, specially conferred upon them divine status as protectors to patrol the heavens, inspect the various localities, and observe the good and evil of the human world. These 360 scholars followed the imperial decree and formed groups, either five or three at a time, to patrol different regions, and wherever they arrived, they manifested great power. The arrival of their boat signified good omens, and every place they visited warmly welcomed them with sincere hospitality, praying for peace. This custom has continued to this day, and due to the number of islands in the Taiwan and Penghu areas, the welcoming of divine visits is more fervent than in other places. Among them, the most famous is the Five Lords of Nankunshen, known to have visited Penghu during the Qing Dynasty. They used the Tianhou Temple as their headquarters, and thus the local residents sincerely organized the affairs of the headquarters. In gratitude for the divine blessings and as a keepsake, over twenty individuals, including Huang Jishi, established a municipal deity association and have been carving the golden statue of Lord Zhu for over forty years to be worshipped in rotation. In the 13th year of the Republic of China, they began constructing a temple, which was completed a year later. Because it was built by the residents of Beijia, the temple is named Beichen Temple.