Bai Ma Wen Wu Temple Introduction
The Bai Ma Wen Wu Da Wang Temple, located by the coast of Keti Wei, is a traditional temple that embodies the beauty of traditional art with its tranquil yet vibrant design. Keti Wei is a small harbor in the northern part of Matsu Village, where fishing boats from the Tiebang and Jinsha areas come to seek shelter from the southerly winds during the summer. The temple honors the deities Wen Wu Da Wang, who are different from the commonly known Bai Ma Zun Wang, as they do not ride white horses. According to legend, during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, two bodies washed ashore at Keti Wei, and the villagers buried them. Not long after, Wen Wu Da Wang, through the divine messages delivered by the medium of Prince Pan, prompted the construction of the temple. After the temple was established, a light was often seen flickering in the harbor before storms approached, serving as a warning for fishing boats to return to safety. The divine protection strengthened the villagers' devotion. The temple is built in the architectural style of the volcanic walls found in Eastern Fujian, featuring a compact and exquisite appearance. The gray stone bricks combined with bright and flowing lines on the mountain wall create a design that is both stable and eye-catching, fully reflecting the beauty of traditional art.
