Shuilin Township Banshu Cuo Shuntian Temple Introduction
The only Matsu Temple in Taiwan dedicated to Matsu is located in the Sweet Potato House area of the town, known as Shuntian Temple. Revered as the Sweet Potato Matsu, the statue of Matsu here is rare in Taiwan, standing upright with both hands raised towards the heavens. Every year on the 15th day of the first lunar month, celebrations for the Lantern Festival include traditional activities such as turtle divination, sky lantern releases, and fire horse shooting, with a procession lasting three days and nights. Shuntian Temple worships several deities including the Heavenly Mother (the founding Matsu), who is accompanied by General Qianliyan and Shunfeng'er, as well as Xuantian Shangdi, Wu Fu Qiansui (including Chiu, Wu, and Zhu Fan Wang), Koxinga (Zheng Chenggong), and the deities of Wu and Liu, alongside the Third Prince Li Nezha (Zhongtan Yuanshuai) and the Tiger God (Xiatang Yuanshuai). Geographically, it is well-situated, with the Beigang River to the east, surrounded by Sweet Potato House and the Qiaosong drainage in front, and the Jianshan drainage behind. Image source: Hsieh Ying-chi/photographer. (Please do not redistribute authorized photos.)
Fengshan Temple of Sweet Potato House
