Lecheng Temple Introduction
The history of the Huanxi Mazu Temple, also known as Lecheng Temple, in Taichung City traces back to the early years of the Qianlong era. The Lin family's ancestors migrated to Taiwan to develop land, hoping for smooth sailing and successful farming. They therefore invited the "Old Second Mazu" gold statue from Meizhou Tianhou Temple to Taiwan. While the Lin family was passing through the present site of the temple, they experienced divine manifestations, leading them to select this sacred place to temporarily worship their deity. Over time, with successful land development, an ambitious group of individuals established the "Lecheng Temple" at the current site in the 18th year of the Qianlong reign (AD 1753) for the faithful to worship day and night. By the 10th year of the Taisho period (AD 1921), due to population growth and the formation of communities, the local leaders, including Lin Yuanquan, Zhang Mei, and Lai Weiyao from Huanxi Village, proposed the reconstruction of the temple to accommodate the increasing number of worshippers. Together with dedicated local individuals such as Lin Dafah, Gong Xianchai, Lai Weiyao, Lin Atang, Lin Tong, and Lin Jun, they promoted the reconstruction project, which faced numerous challenges and took several years to complete. The main hall was built in the 13th year of the Taisho period (AD 1924), and the San Chuan Hall was completed in the 4th year of the Showa period (AD 1929). After the expansion of the rear hall in the 80th year of the Republic (AD 1991), the magnificent and solemn "Lecheng Temple" was finally presented in its entirety. The establishment, renovation, and expansion of "Lecheng Temple" can be seen as a local pioneering history. According to the "Changhua County Records of Sacrificial Rituals" from the 12th year of the Daoguang era (AD 1832), there were 21 Mazu temples in the county, one of which was noted to be "in Huanxi Village," thus confirming that "Lecheng Temple" was already one of the famous Mazu temples in the county during the Daoguang era. Introduction: Main Deity: Tian Shang Sheng Mu (Mazu) Associated Deities: Guanyin Bodhisattva Rear Hall: 1st Floor - Holy Parents, Xuantian Emperor, Guan Sheng Dijun, Doumu Star Lord, 60 Tai Sui Generals 2nd Floor - Jade Emperor, Guanyin Bodhisattva, Zhubi Niangniang, Wenchang Dijun, Five Road Wealth Gods, Yue Lao Star Lord, Hua Tuo Establishment Address: No. 48, Huanxi Street, Huanxi Village, East District, Taichung City Year Established: 18th year of Qianlong era (AD 1753) Reconstruction Years: Main Hall: 13th year of the Republic, Year of the Rat, AD 1924 Front Hall: 17th year of the Republic, Year of the Dragon, AD 1928 Side Rooms: 80th year of the Republic, Year of the Sheep, AD 1991 Expansion Years: Rear Hall: 80th year of the Republic, Year of the Sheep, AD 1991 Total Building Area: 2,245.399 square meters
