Renwu Temple in Chiayi Introduction
The flourishing incense offerings at this designated historical monument trace back to the Ming Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Yongli. Zheng Chenggong established Taiwan as a base to overthrow the Qing Dynasty, leading a significant migration of settlers from Zhangzhou and Quanzhou in mainland China to cultivate the land. Among them were individuals from Tong'an County in Quanzhou who brought the statue of the Emperor Baosheng to Taiwan, praying for his protection during their endeavor. In the 27th year of Yongli (1673 AD), Zheng Jing relocated troops stationed in Fengshan (now Renwu Township in Kaohsiung County) to the Zhuo Luo area (now Chiayi City) during a westward campaign. Troops from Quanzhou brought the statue of the Emperor Baosheng to Zhuo Luo as a guardian deity for both military personnel and civilians. In the 31st year of Yongli (1677 AD), officials built a small shrine to worship him, marking the initial establishment of Renwu Temple. By the 40th year of the Kangxi era (1701 AD), the magistrate of Zhuo Luo, Mao Fenglun, advocated for the construction of a temple in honor of the deity worshipped by the troops of Renwu. The temple was named Renwu Temple, making it the oldest temple dedicated to the Emperor Baosheng in the Chiayi region. After the establishment of Renwu Temple, it underwent multiple repairs and expansions during the Yongzheng, Qianlong, Jiaqing, Daoguang, and Xianfeng periods. In the 13th year of the Showa era (1938 AD), the city official Chuan Tianxiu, in line with the assimilation policies of the Japanese colonial government, ordered the demolition of 63 temples in the city, confiscating their properties for Japanese ownership. The statue of the Emperor Baosheng was relocated to the Chenghuang Temple, and Renwu Temple's property was taken over by Japanese settlers, resulting in significant destruction and loss of artifacts. After World War II ended in 1945, local gentry in Chiayi pooled funds to reclaim the rights to Renwu Temple and rebuild it. On the first day of the lunar new year in 1947, the statue of the Emperor Baosheng was ceremoniously returned to the temple, restoring the worship rituals. In 1961, further renovations were undertaken, including repairs to the main hall walls and roof, and the addition of new structures like the four-pillar pavilion, corridors, and worship hall. Today, Renwu Temple stands tall, adorned with exquisite carvings and colorful glazed tiles. The intricate decorations of flowers, birds, and figures exemplify fine craftsmanship. Its entire structure is built from camphor wood, which retains significant value, while the door gods were painted by Master Pan Lishui, reflecting artistic merit. Despite numerous renovations, the temple has preserved its original appearance, showcasing refined paintings, stone carvings, wood carvings, clay sculptures, and ridge decorations that exude grandeur. Inside the temple, there is a stone incense burner that has been in place for thirty years, originally dedicated to the Da Dao Gong statue. Because the temple's divination sticks are reputed to be effective, many visitors come to seek them. According to the temple authorities, numerous believers claim to be "adopted sons" of the Emperor Baosheng, a common folk custom seeking divine blessings for healing.
