Sanshenggong Temple Introduction
San Sheng Temple, located on the southern side of the Toushe Basin, is dedicated to the Three Mountain Kings as the main deities. Although the temple's appearance cannot be described as grand or magnificent, it exudes an antique charm and serves as the center of faith for the Toushe area. According to historical records, the Three Mountain Kings were originally worshiped in private homes. In the early days, they were considered quite effective in protecting against indigenous threats and invoking rain, prompting residents to advocate for the establishment of a temple for communal worship and prayers. The Toushe area was originally part of the territory of the Saisiyat indigenous people, and local place names such as "Fan Zai Tomb" and "Fan Zai Shop" serve as evidence of this history. Thus, early Han settlers often faced disturbances and fatalities at the hands of the indigenous people. In response, the settlers invited the Three Mountain Kings to become their protective deities. It is said that whenever indigenous people appeared on nearby hills, the Three Mountain Kings would manifest and conduct drills with soldiers to scare them away, allowing the settlers to live and work in peace. The Three Mountain Kings have a strong Hakka influence, typically found within Hakka settlements, but in the Toushe area, the population is primarily Minnan, and the local residents have uniquely referred to the three mountain gods as the "Three Immortal Kings."
