Mazu Temple of Magong Introduction
Shuisian Temple is one of the four major ancient temples in Penghu (Tianhou Temple, Guanyin Pavilion, Chenghuang Temple, Shuisian Temple). It was established in the 35th year of the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty (1695) by Xue Kui, the garrison commander of the Right Camp in Penghu. The temple is dedicated to five deities, respectively Da Yu, Wu Yuan, Qu Yuan, Xiang Yu, and Lu Ban, collectively known as the Five Shuisian Kings, or Shuisian Wang for short. It is worshipped by fishermen who pray for the smooth operation of merchant ships. In the past, Shuisian Temple was also called the "Association of Tai-Kau," and the excursions in Penghu are referred to as "Tai-Kau excursions," abbreviated as Peng-Jiao. It was formed by the merger of Jinsun of Tai-Kau and Jinchang of Xia-Kau, similar to a modern business organization for exchanging business information, negotiating trade, and managing local public affairs. The founding year is not clearly documented, but it is confirmed that records existed during the Qianlong and Jiaqing eras of the Qing Dynasty, with a prosperous period for business affairs during the Tongzhi and Guangxu eras. The construction materials and craftsmen of Shuisian Temple mostly came from Dongshan, Fujian Province, and the architectural style still retains the characteristics of the Tongshan area. Due to the renovation during the Japanese colonial period, the windows were designed to incorporate European-style sliding windows. The construction of the front columns and wall surfaces, besides using traditional craftsmanship and materials, also incorporated the washing sand technique (shell sand) from the Penghu area, which served as a substitute for stone columns and wall materials. It is currently designated as a national third-level historic site. Festival: Lunar Calendar October 10 [Recommended duration of stay] 1 hour
Mazu Temple in Magong (Taipei-Hsiahau Association)
