Lecheng Temple Introduction
The history of the Hanjing Mazu Temple, known as Lecheng Temple, in Taichung City can be traced back to the early years of the Qianlong period. The ancestors of the Lin family came to Taiwan to develop the land, hoping for smooth sailing and successful cultivation. They respectfully invited the golden statue of "Lao Er Ma" from Meizhou Tianhou Temple to Taiwan. As the Lin family passed by the current site of the temple and witnessed divine manifestations, they chose this holy place to temporarily enshrine the deity. Over time, the settlers prospered. In the 18th year of Qianlong, 1753 AD, determined individuals established Lecheng Temple at the current location for worship by devotees. In the 10th year of Taisho (1921 AD), due to increasing population and the formation of settlements, in response to the growing number of believers, local leaders Lin Yuanquan, Zhang Mei, and Lai Weiyao proposed to expand the temple scale. They collaborated with enthusiastic locals such as Lin Dafa, Gong Xianchai, Lai Weiyao, Lin Atang, Lin Tong, Lin Jun, and others to promote the reconstruction project. After several years of hard work, the main hall was completed in the 13th year of Taisho (1924 AD), and the three rivers hall was finished in the 4th year of Showa (1929 AD). By the 80th year of the Republic of China, the rear hall was expanded, and the grand and complete architecture of Lecheng Temple was finally presented. The creation, renovation, and expansion of Lecheng Temple resemble a history of local development. According to the "Annals of Changhua County Sacrificial Rites" in the 12th year of Daoguang (1832 AD), there were a total of 21 Mazu temples in the county, one of which was located in Hanjing Village, confirming that Lecheng Temple was already a famous Mazu temple in the county during the Daoguang period. Introduction: Main Deity: Tian Shang Sheng Mu (Mazu) Associated Deities: Guanyin Bodhisattva Back Hall: 1st Floor - Sheng Fumu, Xuantian Shangdi, Guansheng Dijun, Doumu Xingshen, 60 Taishui Generals 2nd Floor - Yuhuang Dadi, Guanyin Bodhisattva, Zhusheng Niangniang, Wenchang Dijun, Wulu Caishen Ye, Yue Lao Xingshen, Hua Tuo Xianshi Established Address: No. 48, Hanjing Street, Hanjing Li, East District, Taichung City Year Established: 18th year of Qianlong (1753 AD) Year of Reconstruction: Main Hall: 13th year of the Republic of China, 1924 AD Front Hall: 17th year of the Republic of China, 1928 AD Side Rooms: 80th year of the Republic of China, 1991 AD Year of Expansion: Rear Hall: 80th year of the Republic of China, 1991 AD Total Building Area: 2,245.399 square meters
