Longtian Temple Introduction
Legend has it that Lord Lei, the deity of thunder, serves the heavenly gods of the Nine Heavens Thunder Department. During the Qing Dynasty in the reign of Emperor Qianlong, he was commissioned to save humanity. In 1947, he was again summoned by the Jade Emperor of the Nine Heavens to descend to Taiwan's Dalin for the purpose of helping the people. In 1982, due to years of disrepair and an increase in visitors, local residents began to rebuild the Longtian Temple, with groundbreaking taking place on November 10 of that year, and the construction completed after three years and two months. The newly renovated Longtian Temple is dazzling and splendid, with golden walls shining brightly. The ceremonial installation of the deities was held at the temple on November 3, 1986. The residents of Yihe Village in Dalin Town have long believed that Lord Lei can bless them with health and bountiful harvests. Every year on the 14th day of the eighth lunar month, which celebrates the birthday of Lord Lei and the anniversary of the White Crane Boy, the Longtian Temple holds a festive celebration where villagers prepare offerings and gather for worship. A stage is set up in front of the temple, filled with the sounds of drums and gongs, creating a lively atmosphere—a rare festive occasion in the tranquil countryside. In front of Longtian Temple lies a century-old well, whose crystal-clear water has never run dry and is incredibly sweet. In the past, it served as an essential source of drinking water for local residents. During the Dragon Boat Festival, villagers eagerly rush to fetch the "noon water." Folklore suggests that this noon water can cure various diseases, and it is said that the water drawn from this ancient well can be preserved for years without spoiling. Many locals use it for tea, healing, purification, and other purposes. When the Longtian Temple was rebuilt, this ancient well became the focal point, even featuring a fountain sculpted in the shape of a dragon, representing the local dragon vein. Visitors who come during the Dragon Boat Festival can see villagers gathering in front of the dragon-head statue, eagerly fetching the noon water, creating a spectacular scene. (Source: Cultural Resources Geographic Information System)
