Tucheng Zhengtong Luermen Shengmu Temple Introduction
Tainan is the birthplace of Taiwan, and the Zheng Tong Luermen Matsu Temple has its origins before the sixteenth century, built to worship the Mazu of Luermen. It is the only Matsu temple in Taiwan that has the golden statue of Luermen Mazu over 800 years old, and it is the largest Matsu temple by area. The temple is currently divided into several halls, including the Five Kings Hall, Mazu Hall, Buddha Hall, Great Teacher Hall, and Heavenly Emperor Hall, designed in the northern palace style resembling the Zijincheng Palace. Every year on the first day of the Lunar New Year, a series of Spring Festival carnival activities is held, along with the lantern festival fireworks show, firecrackers, and the Spring Cow Parade, attracting countless visitors! The activities of Luermen Mazu do not stop there; on the 23rd day of the third lunar month, a celebration is held for Mazu's birthday with rice donations for the poor and free tastings of milkfish dishes. The triannual Tucheng Xiangjiao festival is held in years of the Ox, Dragon, Sheep, and Dog. Additionally, the temple features a Fude Money museum, a cultural relics museum, and a cultural and creative hall, all of which help integrate culture, tourism, food, leisure, and charity, making the Zheng Tong Luermen Matsu Temple a top tourist temple in the Tainan area. Overview of the history of the Luermen Tianhou Temple: In 1661 (the 15th year of the Ming Yongli reign), Luermen Mazu manifested to aid Zheng Chenggong's army in entering Taiwan by harnessing the tidal waters against the Dutch forces. In 1662, the Dutch surrendered, and Zheng rebuilt the temple as a gratitude to Luermen Mazu, adding to the worship of both the civil and military Mazu as well as the National Saint Mazu. Luermen Island gradually became a gateway to Taiwan and a military and commercial stronghold, with the status of Luermen Mazu rising significantly, often showcasing miraculous signs. In 1831 (the 11th year of the Daoguang reign), the Zengwen River flooded, damaging the temple, leading to the deities being temporarily worshiped at the Haian Temple in Sanjiao. In 1918 (the 7th year of the Republic of China), the second reconstruction of the temple was completed, and the over seventy deities that had been temporarily housed at the Haian Temple were returned and re-enshrined. In 1913 (the 2nd year of the Taisho era in Japan), a ship from Quanzhou's Fumei Temple passed through the treacherous Taiwan Strait and docked on the coast of Tucheng, where the Mazu deity indicated that it was an invitation to protect the people, leading the locals to build a palace for worship. In 1916 (the 5th year of the Taisho era), the deity temporarily housed at the Haian Temple was brought back. In 1918 (the 7th year of the Taisho era), the second temple was completed, named Bao'an Palace, which was not renamed Luermen Matsu Temple until 1960. In 1981, after several repairs and reconstructions, the third temple was finally completed under the protection of Mazu's divine powers.
