Kaohsiung Hamasen Dai Tian Gong Introduction
"Hamasen" is the former name of the southern part of the Gushan District in Kaohsiung City. This area was originally a sea, and during the Japanese colonial period, the authorities dredged the harbor and filled the sea to create new land. Due to the presence of two coastal railways leading to the commercial port, fishing port, and fish market, it was referred to as "Hamasen" in Japanese, while local residents called it "Ha-ma-sing" in Taiwanese. Hamasen is the starting point for the modernization of Kaohsiung Harbor and the terminus of the railway, and it was once the origin of Kaohsiung's political and economic center, thriving for a time. The Daitian Temple in Hamasen was built in 1951, and it is primarily dedicated to the Five Lords, a spiritual figure originating from the Nankunshen Daitian Temple. The temple also worships the Emperor of the Pool, Master Ching Shui, Guanyin, among others. A beautiful archway was built in front of the temple, and the architectural style of the temple adopts the South China temple design, solemn and magnificent. The temple roof features a heavy eaves and a hip-and-gable structure, adorned with intricate cut and paste decorations depicting figures, beasts, pavilions, flowers, and birds, all beautifully crafted. The colorful sculptures inside narrate traditional folklore such as the meeting in Yaochi, the Eighteen Arhats, and the Grand Assembly of All Immortals, with life-like figurines varying in form. The door gods and statues in the San Chuan Hall were created by the renowned artist Pan Li-shui, and the stately and splendid statues are considered rare artistic treasures. The Daitian Temple serves as a center of faith and gathering for the residents of Hamasen, where numerous food stalls attract many worshippers, making it a site that best represents the local customs of Kaohsiung.
