Penghu Tianhou Temple Introduction
Penghu Tianhou Temple is the oldest Mazu temple in the history of Penghu and Taiwan, evidenced by the stone tablet preserved in the temple from the 32nd year of the Wanli period of the Ming dynasty (1604), which states "Shen Yourong ordered the expulsion of the Dutch pirate Wei Malang." This tablet is also the first stone tablet in Taiwan and Penghu. Over the years, the temple has been referred to as Niangma Temple, Niangniang Temple, Tianfei Temple, and Mazu Temple. The old local name "Machu" in Magong originates from Mazu Temple. In the 22nd year of the Kangxi reign (1683), Fujian naval commander Shi Lang led an army to attack Penghu, defeating Zheng army commander Liu Guoxuan. Shi Lang reported to the Qing emperor that his successful victory was aided by Mazu's divine help and requested a promotion, which was granted by the Qing court, and the following year Mazu was officially titled Tianhou. Since the Qing dynasty, Mazu Temple has undergone several renovations, and in the 11th year of the Japanese Taisho period (1922), it was rebuilt, transforming Tianhou Temple into its current magnificent appearance. The architecture of Tianhou Temple consists of the San Chuan Hall, the Main Hall, and the Qingfeng Pavilion, separated by courtyards, with protective dragons and corridors connecting them; the temple's layout gradually elevates inward according to the topography. The temple plaza was once the front market of the seven streets and one city.
Penghu Tianhou Temple Lantern Festival
Penghu Tianhou Temple
