Dajia Jenlan Temple Introduction
Dajia District's Zhenlan Temple is said to have invited the statue of Mazu from the Matsu Ancestor Temple in Meizhou during the 8th year of the Yongzheng era (AD 1730). Due to its flourishing worship, a small shrine was built in Dajia Village, Dajia District, Taichung City in the 10th year of the Yongzheng era (AD 1732). It was later expanded into the "Tianhou Temple" in the 35th year of the Qianlong era (AD 1770) and reconstructed in the 52nd year of the Qianlong era (AD 1787), eventually being recorded in the water offerings of the Tamsui District of Taiwan. Subsequently, the local gentry of Dajia initiated several renovations, leading to the temple being renamed "Zhenlan Temple." Every year, on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month, the "Procession for Incense" is a grand event, attracting countless devotees, and many temples across various regions hold celebrations welcoming Mazu. The Mazu procession at Dajia District's Zhenlan Temple is said to have a history of several hundred years, mainly aiming to enhance the divine aura of the statue. The scale of participants in the incense offerings is immense, and its grandeur has drawn attention and research from both the academic community and the media. The architecture of Zhenlan Temple includes the main hall, rear hall, southern and northern halls, southern and northern rooms, and a bell and drum tower, all adorned with intricate stone carvings and wooden sculptures depicting figures, flowers, birds, and animals, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and vibrant colors. The main hall enshrines Mazu, while the southern hall houses the chaste Mazu. The dragon columns in front of the temple feature finely and solidly carved stone sculptures, and the roof is covered with multicolored figures, flowers, and animals made of cut and glued materials. The eaves are adorned with large gold-plated decorations, and the main hall's altar is lavishly decorated, radiating a magnificent and dignified atmosphere. Unfortunately, due to multiple renovations, many historical relics and artifacts no longer exist, with only a few plaques inscribed by Emperors Qianlong and Guangxu holding significant historical value.
