Astronomy Museum Introduction
Tianwen Temple covers an area of three hectares, making it the largest temple in the Yong'an area, built in the style of Northern temple halls. The main deity worshipped here is the renowned general of the Tang Dynasty, Xu Fu Qiansui (Xu Jie). The origin of the temple dates back to the first offering of the royal decree from Xu Fu Qiansui in Lower Qieding to establish the Wang Jiao ceremony for heavenly inspection. In the 48th year of the Republic of China, lantern offerings were initiated, with construction starting in March of the 66th year and completed in the 68th year. The front hall enshrines the main deity, Zhen Dong Tu General Xu Fu Qiansui. At the entrance outside the hall, there is a flag stand that displays flags, signifying to the world that this is the residence of the Zhen Dong Tu General. Behind it, the general's subordinates are shown holding a heavenly horse, indicating that they are always ready for deployment, symbolizing that the general is always prepared to go out and alleviate the suffering of the common people. The architectural style of the Tianwen Temple adopts a palace-style Xieshan (known as the Nine-Ridge Hall during the Song Dynasty) with a double-eaved design, constructed by the renowned temple architect Mr. Xiao Wansheng. The courtyard features unique landscaping, and the east and west corridor designs are inspired by dragon motifs from various historical cultural periods, setting it apart from other temples and creating a distinctive architectural characteristic. The 18th day of the first lunar month is the celebration of Xu Fu Qiansui and the birthdays of various deities, which has been held since the 69th year of the Republic of China and includes a calligraphy and sketching competition up to the present day, with a focus on "spirit," "culture," and "leisure." These activities not only include calligraphy and sketching competitions but also a static cultural exhibition showcasing the cultural achievements preserved by the Tianwen Temple over the years. There is also a peace gate and a divination for the top scholar's pen (Wang Ye's pen), which attracts many young people each year to participate in the divination, hoping to obtain the divine pen to help them succeed in various exams and attain academic honors.
