Hou-Liao Wei-Ling Temple, Chi Mei Wang Liang Stone God Introduction
Houliao Weiling Temple is dedicated to the Emperor Baosheng, also known as Dadaogong and Wu Zhenjun, whose courtesy name is Huaji and nicknamed Yundong. He was originally from Baijiao Village, Jishanli, Ming-sheng Township, Tong'an District, Quanzhou, Fujian, which is now part of the Longhai District in Zhangzhou City. He was exceptionally bright as a child and possessed a natural disposition towards Daoism. As he grew older, he became well-versed in astronomy, geography, and the classics, especially excelling in medicine, which gradually earned him a reputation among the people. The history of the Houliao Weiling Temple in Baisha Township dates back over 400 years, serving as the origin for the worship of Emperor Baosheng across Penghu. The temple's influence is significant, with its incense offerings spreading to the northern and southern villages of Huxi Township, where the faith in Emperor Baosheng remains strong to this day, making him the spiritual protector of Houliao. Established during the 30th year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1602 AD), the Houliao Weiling Temple has undergone numerous renovations and restorations over the years. After the Republic of China was established, local gentry and elders proposed rebuilding the temple; thus it underwent reconstruction twice, with the second completion in the 21st year of the Republic of China. After 63 years, it was reconstructed again following a fire in the 84th year of the Republic of China, and the rebuilding project was completed in the 85th year. The temple is now grand and magnificent, with historical renovation tablets set up at one corner of the temple court. Adjacent to Houliao Weiling Temple stands the largest "Dengdian" stone tablet in Taiwan, reaching nearly 200 centimeters high, built in the 22nd year of the Daoguang era (1842 AD). This was due to disturbances caused by mountain spirits in the area known as "Fengkengkou" between Houliao and Tongliang during the autumn and winter of the 21st year of Daoguang (1841 AD). The villagers, troubled by the disturbances, prayed to Emperor Baosheng for guidance. Following his instructions, they erected the "Chimei Wangliao" tablet (with an added rain character) to quell the evil spirits and protect the community. This method proved effective as the disturbances ceased. Initially placed at the site of the disturbances, the tablet was later moved to the left side of Weiling Temple. It has undergone multiple repairs throughout the years, including substantial work from 2008 to 2009 to strengthen its base, install stone slabs, and engrave auspicious imagery, including a pair of Qilin and protective railings. The "Chimei Wangliao" tablet, a centennial artifact for warding off evil, is also the largest of its kind in Taiwan, representing a unique belief system developed by the island's residents. [Recommended time to stay] 0.5 hours.
The pavilion next to the Houliao Weiling Temple, with columns that are elongated and shaped like old temple pillars.
