Tucheng Zhengtong Luermun Mazu Temple Introduction
Tainan is the birthplace of Taiwan, with the Zheng Tong Lukang Mazu Temple originating in the 16th century, built to honor Mazu of Lukang. It houses the only Mazu statue with a history of over 800 years in Taiwan and is the largest Mazu temple in architectural scale. Today, the temple is divided into the Five Kings Hall, Mazu Hall, Buddha Hall, Great Master Hall, and Heavenly Lord Hall, resembling the palace-style architecture of the Golden Peak. Every year, a series of New Year Carnival activities are held starting from the first day of the lunar New Year, including lantern festivals, high-altitude fireworks shows, firecrackers, and the Spring Ox parade, attracting large crowds! Besides these activities, on the 23rd day of the third lunar month, a celebration of Mazu's birthday is held with donations of rice to the poor and free tastings of milkfish dishes; a triennial rite called the Tucheng Xiangjiao occurs in years of the Ox, Dragon, Goat, and Dog. Additionally, the temple has a Fude Qian, museum, cultural and creative center, and a large building for worshippers, integrating culture, tourism, cuisine, leisure, and charity, making the Zheng Tong Lukang Mazu Temple a top tourist destination in the Tainan area. A brief history of the Lukang Tianhou Temple: In 1661 (the 15th year of the Ming Yongli period), Mazu of Lukang manifested to aid the rising tide, facilitating Zheng Chenggong's army in their conquest of Dutch forces in Taiwan. In 1662, after the Dutch surrendered, Zheng rebuilt the temple in gratitude to Mazu and added halls for the civil and military guardians accompanying his fleet, as well as the National Sacred Mother. Lukang gradually became a gateway to Taiwan, evolving into a military and commercial stronghold, significantly elevating Mazu's status and renown. In 1831 (the 11th year of the Daoguang period), the temple was destroyed by flooding from the Zengwen River, leading to the relocation of Mazu and other deities to the Haian Temple. In 1918 (the 7th year of the Republic of China), the temple was rebuilt, and over seventy deities were welcomed back from Haian Temple for worship. In 1913 (the 2nd year of the Taisho period), a vessel of the Five Lords' Thousand Years Kings from Quanzhou sought refuge along the coast of Tucheng due to the hazardous Taiwan Strait; it was encouraged by Mazu to protect the people, leading the residents of Tucheng to build a palace for worship. In 1916 (the 5th year of the Taisho period), they went to retrieve the over seventy deities temporarily housed in the Haian Temple due to floods affecting the ancient temple. In 1918 (the 7th year of the Taisho period), the new temple was completed and named Bao'an Temple, later renamed Lukang Mazu Temple in 1960. After several renovations and reconstructions, the third temple was finally completed in 1981 under Mazu's protection.
