Matsu Jingtian Temple Introduction
The Matsu Jin Tian Hou Temple, also known as the Matsu Port Tian Hou Temple, is the most prestigious and active temple in the Matsu region, embodying the religious beliefs of the local residents. The temple features over 4,000 dou-shaped wooden blocks at its column heads and is documented to have been established during the Qing Dynasty's Jiaqing period. It undergoes renovations approximately every 20 years, with the current structure being newly built in 2002. The temple's architectural style is palatial, exuding grandeur and solemnity, and was completed with the collaboration of craftsmen from both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The decorative techniques, including dragon pillar stone carvings and relief door gods, are exquisite and intricate. The stone coffin in front of the offering table in the temple is said to be the resting place of Mazu's holy body. Every year, a grand celebration and pilgrimage event is held on the lunar calendar birthday of Mazu, illuminating the night with lights and resounding with firecracker sounds, creating a vibrant temple fair atmosphere, making it a significant local event. In March 2009, Matsu-born painter and mountaineer Li Xiaoshi took the golden statue of Mazu to climb Mount Everest, making it the first deity to reach the summit. This golden statue is currently enshrined in the Matsu Jin Tian Hou Temple for devotees to pay their respects. The Matsu Jin Tian Hou Temple serves as the guardian deity of the Matsu region and is the center of faith for the island's residents. The temple is bustling with worshippers, and if you visit Nankan, don’t forget to stop by and pray for peace! According to the residents of Mazu Village in Nankan, Mazu's father encountered a shipwreck, and she jumped into the sea to save him but tragically was engulfed by the waves. Her body drifted to the Aokou inlet in Mazu Village, where it was discovered and buried by the local people. To honor her filial piety, they buried her in a stone coffin adorned with phoenix patterns. During her lifetime, Mazu was known for her kindness and benefited from the auspiciousness of the land, transcending to the heavens on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. In the Ming Dynasty, Mazu was conferred the title of Tian Fei (Heavenly Consort) and elevated to Tian Hou (Queen of Heaven) during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, which is another name for the Heavenly Mother, hence temples dedicated to Mazu are named Tian Hou Temple. Matsu Sword Monument – A must-photograph landmark of Matsu Not far from the Matsu Jin Tian Hou Temple, there is a towering sword monument, also known as the "Sword of Matsu." The monument is filled with a masculine energy and was a significant spiritual stronghold in the past. It now serves as a striking tourist landmark, so don’t forget to take photos when visiting Mazu Village in Nankan!
