Kaohsiung Hamasen Daitian Temple Introduction
"Hamasen" is the old name for the southern part of the Gushan District in Kaohsiung City today. This area was originally marine territory, and during the Japanese colonial period, the authorities dredged the port and filled the sea to create new land. Because this new land had two coastal railways leading to the commercial port, fishing port, and fish market, it was referred to in Japanese as "Hamasen." Local residents called it "Ha-ma-sing" in Taiwanese. Hamasen is the starting point for the modernization of Kaohsiung Port and the terminus of the railway, and it was once the origin of Kaohsiung's political and economic center, thriving in its time. The Daitian Temple in Hamasen was built in 1951, and it is primarily dedicated to the Five Lords, who are deities originating from the Nankan Daitian Temple. It also houses statues of the Pool Lord, Qing Shui Master, and Guanyin, among others. A splendid archway stands in front of the temple, and the temple building follows the architectural style of Southern Chinese temples, grand and magnificent. The temple roof, in the form of a double-eaved hip roof, is adorned with intricate cut-and-paste decorations depicting characters, animals, pavilions, flowers, and birds. The colorful carvings inside the temple narrate traditional folk stories such as the Meeting at the Yao Pool, the Eighteen Arhats, and the Great Assembly of Thousands of Immortals, with statues in various forms that are vividly lifelike. The door gods and deity sculptures in the San Chuan Hall were created by the renowned artist Pan Li-shui, and the dignified and splendid deities have become rare artistic treasures. The Daitian Temple serves as the faith center and gathering place for the residents of Hamasen, and the square is filled with a variety of local snacks, attracting many worshippers and showcasing the local customs and traditions of Kaohsiung.
