Kaohsiung Hamaxing Da Tian Temple Introduction
"Hamasen" is the former name of the southern area of Gushan District in Kaohsiung City. This area was originally a marine zone. During the Japanese colonial period, the authorities utilized the dredged soil from the port to reclaim land, forming new land. Due to the two coastal railways leading to the commercial port, fishing port, and fish market, it was referred to as "Hamasen" in Japanese, which the local residents called "Ha-ma-sing" in Taiwanese. Hamasen is recognized as the starting point of Kaohsiung Port's modernization and the terminus of the railway, serving as the origin of Kaohsiung's political and economic center, bustling at one time. The Daitian Temple in Hamasen was built in 1951, primarily dedicated to the Five Lords, who were deities worshipped in the Nankunshen Daitian Temple. It also includes deities such as the Chi Family Lord, the Qingshui Master, and Guanyin, among others. A magnificent entrance arch is constructed in front of the temple, which features a South China-style architectural design, solemn and splendid. The temple roof, styled in a heavy eaves and hip, is adorned with intricate and delicate cut-and-paste decorations of figures, beasts, and floral themes. The interior of the temple showcases colorful paintings and sculptures that narrate traditional folk stories such as the Yaochi Meeting, the Eighteen Arhats, and the Ten Thousand Immortals Convention, with ceramic figures of various forms that are vividly lifelike. The gate deities and the sculptures in the San Chuan Hall are the works of the renowned artist Pan Lishui, with the dignified and splendid statues regarded as rare artistic treasures. Daitian Temple serves as the center of faith and gathering for the residents of Hamasen, and the plaza is filled with a variety of local snacks, attracting many worshippers, making it the most representative folkloric attraction showcasing Kaohsiung's local customs.
