Shuilin Township, Sweet Potato House, Shuntian Temple Introduction
The only temple in Taiwan dedicated to Mazu located in the Sweet Potato Ditch area, known as Shuntian Temple, worships Mazu, commonly referred to as the Sweet Potato Ditch Mazu. The statue of the founding Mazu is uniquely carved in a standing position with both hands raised in a gesture of prayer, which is rare in Taiwan. Every year on the 15th day of the first lunar month, festivities for the Lantern Festival include activities such as predicting fortunes with turtle shells, releasing sky lanterns, and shooting fire horses, with a parade lasting three days and nights. Shuntian Temple is located in the Sweet Potato Ditch area of this township, and the main hall enshrines the Heavenly Queen Mother (founding Mazu, along with the venerated generals Qianliyan and Shunfeng'er), Xuantian Emperor, Five Lords of the Underworld (including King Chiwang, King Wuzhu, and King Fan), Zhu Yuanzhang (Zheng Chenggong), Kings Wu and Liu, the Third Prince Nezha (Zhongtan Yuanshuai), and the Tiger God (Xiatang Yuanshuai). The temple enjoys an excellent geographical location, surrounded by the Beigang River to the east, Sweet Potato Ditch and Qiaosong Drain in front, and the Jianshan Drain behind. Image source: Hsueh Ying-Chi/Photography. (Please do not redistribute authorized photos.)
Fengshi Temple
