Kaohsiung Luzhu Tianhou Temple Introduction
During the Kangxi period, the number of settlers in the Luzhu area gradually increased. With a more stable life, in 1671, a Tianhou Temple was built on the present-day Zhongshan Road. After undergoing numerous renovations and expansions, the number of worshippers increased. However, with the changes of time and the development of Luzhu's streets, the temple space became insufficient for use and could not be expanded further. Therefore, in 1979, under the guidance of the Blessed Mother, a new temple was built while preserving the old temple in the urban area, resulting in a coexistence of the old and new. The new temple, also called the Daitianhou Temple locally, is the largest temple in Luzhu, primarily dedicated to the Heavenly Holy Mother, Mazu, the guardian deity of sailors, making it the most important religious center in Luzhu. The new temple is designed in the Minnan architectural style, standing three stories high and is complemented by a spacious temple courtyard that appears grand and majestic. The two divine generals under Mazu, Qianliyan (Thousand-Mile Eye) and Shunfeng'er (Smooth Wind Ear), stand guard on either side of the temple. In the main hall, there is a dragon statue, and during Mazu's birthday each year, an event called "Passing the Dragon's Throat" is held, where worshippers enter through the dragon's mouth and exit through the dragon's tail. This ritual serves the purpose of eliminating misfortune and ensuring peace, making it a unique blessing activity of the Luzhu Tianhou Temple.
