Tuku Shun Tian Temple Introduction
Tu-Ku Mazu Yinwai Village: The Tu-Ku Shun Tian Temple is dedicated to Mazu, commonly known as Tu-Ku Ma. The current structure and appearance were established during the Showa period through reconstruction, featuring works by Zhangzhou Hu Xian and Quanzhou Xi Di Pai Wang Jinmu, as well as craftsmen Jiang Jiu, Jiang Quanhe, and Chen Tianqi. Introduction: The Tu-Ku Shun Tian Temple initially began as a "Tu Miao" and underwent renovations and reconstructions, starting the construction of the front hall in the 14th year of the Daoguang era (1834) and completing the rear hall six years later (1840). In the second year of the Xianfeng era (1852), local gentry repaired the front hall, built the Jing Sheng Pavilion and the left wing, and in the second year of the Guangxu era (1876), they raised funds for the right wing. After more than a hundred years, the temple showed signs of damage. Local gentry Yan Dingquan, Lin Yongzhen, Chen Rongshi, Lin Zhaoding, Chen Taixuan, Lin Jin, Chen Qingquan, along with Japanese official Shinozaki Kiyokichi (the street chief), recruited funds for construction during the Japanese rule (1934), leading to the present magnificent temple's completion. In 1940, the Japanese government implemented the Japanization policy in Taiwan, and the temple's director Shinozaki Kiyokichi sought to cooperate with the Japanese "Kōgū Shingon Sect Taiwan Opening Plan," applying to become the 34th affiliated temple. This led to the formal establishment of the "Tu-Ku Branch of the Tainan Prefecture Huwei County," becoming a branch of the Kōyasan Daishikyo Association, which resulted in receiving the statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva from the Yoshikō-ji in Gunma Prefecture to be enshrined in the main hall. The other deities, including Tian Shang Sheng Mu, temporarily retreated to the rear hall. This arrangement saved the Shun Tian Temple from destruction by the Japanese government, and only in 1945 did Tian Shang Sheng Mu return to the main hall while Guanyin retreated to the rear hall. Architectural Features: The Tu-Ku Shun Tian Temple is located in the urban area of Tu-Ku and is a typical example of Southern Chinese temple architecture, featuring a swallow-tail ridge and an impressive "Dragon and Phoenix Presenting Three Stars" cut tile decoration. The main hall has three bays, with three entrances plus dragon and tiger doors on either side, giving a total of five entrances, an honor reserved for the Emperor and Empress deities. The materials used in the temple's construction, including the ridge, purlins, arches, columns, beams, eaves, and rafters, are all made of huai and cedar wood, constructed with superb architectural skills and carving techniques, belonging to the Qing dynasty period. The hall is divided into three bays, a central courtyard, the main hall, rear hall (Guanyin Hall), San Guan Da Di Hall, and Wen Chang Di Jun Hall, connected by corridors and bagua doors. Image source: Xue Yingqi / photography. (Authorized photos please do not reprint)
Tuku Shuntian Temple
