Polar Temple Introduction
Dapu Beiji Temple was established in the 25th year of the Qianlong reign (1760 AD) when immigrants from Zhangzhou brought the incense of Xuantian Shangdi and settled in the area formerly known as "Hou Dapu Village." They regarded it as their permanent residence. After numerous miraculous events, Mr. Huang Axie, the chief of the village at that time, initiated the construction of a small temple and carved a golden statue for worship, which has lasted for over 240 years. During this period, the village residents and gentry have repeatedly pledged to renovate and maintain the temple, making it a center of faith for the people of Dapu Township. The current structure was expanded following a decision made by the Beiji Temple Management Committee in the 73rd year of the Republic of China, acknowledging that the beams and columns had termites and were structurally unsound, leading to fundraising efforts for reconstruction. Beiji Temple is located along the main street in the urban area and serves as a center of faith for local residents. The building has an antique charm that is distinct from modern temples, attracting numerous worshippers daily. The important festival on the third day of the third lunar month draws large crowds every year. The main deity worshipped at Beiji Temple is Xuantian Shangdi, along with other deities such as Shennong Dadi, Yu Huang Da Di, Fuk Tei Zheng Sheng, Tai Shang Lao Jun, Zhu Sheng Niang Niang, Zhong Tan Yuan Shuai, Mazu, and Guanyin Bodhisattva. In front of Beiji Temple, there are two pairs of large stone lions, where the ones that have coins hanging from them or are standing on balls are male lions, and those standing on small lions are female lions. According to local legend, those seeking children should first touch the male lion and then the female lion as a means of seeking offspring ("球子", which sounds like "求子").
