Dajia Jenn Lann Temple, Kaohsiung Introduction
During the Kangxi era, the number of settlers in the Luzhu area gradually increased. After establishing a stable life, they built the Tianhou Temple on what is now Zhongshan Road in 1671. The temple underwent multiple repairs and expansions, with the number of devotees increasing. However, as time went by and the development of Luzhu town progressed, the temple space became insufficient for use and could not be expanded further. Therefore, in 1979, under the instruction of the Holy Mother, a new temple was built while retaining the old temple in the city, resulting in the coexistence of both the new and old temples. The new temple, locally known as Daitianhou Temple in Luzhu, is the largest temple in the area, dedicated to the Heavenly Holy Mother, Mazu, the guardian goddess of navigation, making it the most important center of faith in Luzhu. The new temple features a Minnan architectural style, rising to three stories, and is accompanied by a spacious temple courtyard, creating an impressive and majestic atmosphere. The two divine generals under Mazu, Qianliyan (Thousand-Mile Eye) and Shunfeng'er (Smooth-Wind Ear), are also stationed at both sides of the temple. The dragon statue in the main hall hosts an activity called "Passing Through the Dragon's Throat" during Mazu's birthday every year, where devotees enter through the dragon's mouth and exit through its tail, symbolizing the removal of misfortune and the blessing of safety. This is a unique prayer activity of the Luzhu Tianhou Temple.
