Tianhou Temple, Lujhu, Kaohsiung Introduction
During the Kangxi period, the number of settlers in the Luzhu area gradually increased. After their lives stabilized, in 1671, they built the Tianhou Temple on what is now Zhongshan Road. The temple underwent multiple renovations and expansions, with the number of devotees increasing. However, with the changes in times and the development of Luzhu's streets, the temple's space became increasingly insufficient, and there was no room for further expansion. Therefore, in 1979, under the guidance of the Virgin Mary, a new temple was built while retaining the old temple in the urban area, resulting in the coexistence of the old and new. The new temple, also known as the Daitianh Templ in the local area, is the largest temple in Luzhu, primarily dedicated to Tian Shang Sheng Mu, the maritime guardian deity Mazu, making it the most important center of faith in Luzhu. The new temple is designed in the Minnan style and rises three stories high, complemented by a spacious temple courtyard that appears extraordinary, grand, and solemn. The two divine generals under Mazu, Qianliyan and Shunfeng’er, stand guard on either side of the temple. In the temple hall, there is a dragon sculpture, and every year on Mazu's birthday, an activity called "Guo Longhou" is held, where participants enter through the dragon's mouth and exit through the dragon's tail. This activity is believed to remove bad luck and ensure safety, making it a unique blessing ritual of the Luzhu Tianhou Temple.
