Hsing Tian Kong Introduction
Xingtian Temple is located at the intersection of Minquan East Road and Songjiang Road in the Zhongshan District. It is the most visited temple in Northern Taiwan, with daily visitors reaching up to tens of thousands. Xingtian Temple worships the main deity, South Heaven Literary Emperor Guang'en Master Yu, along with the associated deities: South Palace God Fu You Emperor Jun Lü, Nine Heavens Divine Ruler Zhang Enzu Shan, Pre-Heaven Enlightened Officer Wang Enzo Shan, Loyal Military King Yue Enzo Fei, Prince Guan Sheng, Teacher Zhou Enshi Cang, and other sacred figures from Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Since its completion, it has become the most visited temple in the Greater Taipei area and all of Northern Taiwan, not only because of the widespread acceptance of its faith but also due to its unique characteristics: it does not have merit boxes, does not offer sacrifice animals, does not burn joss paper, does not accept gold medals, does not perform plays to appease the gods, does not set up mediums, does not solicit donations, and prohibits commercial activities. The temple is centrally located, features a spacious courtyard, and was the first to establish a religious foundation to affirm its social welfare attributes. In addition to including the main temple in Taipei and two branch temples in Sanxia and Beitou, Xingtian Temple established the "Xingtian Temple Cultural and Educational Development Promotion Foundation" in 1995. It also has two affiliated libraries (located in downtown Taipei and Beitou) and the Enzhu Gong Hospital in Sanxia, reflecting its public welfare nature, showing that religion not only soothes the hearts of the people but also tangibly benefits their daily lives.
