Longtian Temple Introduction
According to legend, Lord Lei is a celestial deity of the Heavenly Thunder Department who came to save humanity during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. In 1947, he was commanded by the Jade Emperor of the Nine Heavens to descend to Taiwan's Dalin for the benefit of all beings. In 1982, the Longtian Temple underwent reconstruction because it had fallen into disrepair due to age and the increasing number of visitors. On November 10th of that year, the groundbreaking ceremony was held, and the reconstruction took two years and two months to complete. The newly renovated Longtian Temple is splendid and magnificent, and the consecration ceremony was held on November 3rd, 1986. The residents of Yihe Village in Dalin Town have long believed that Lord Lei can bless them with good health and abundant harvests. Every year on the 14th day of the eighth lunar month, which is the birthday of Lord Lei and the anniversary of Baihe Tongzi, a celebration is held at Longtian Temple. Villagers prepare offerings and gather at the temple to worship. A temporary stage is also set up in front of the temple. Amidst the noise of drums and gongs, it is a rare festive occasion in this peaceful rural area. In front of Longtian Temple, there is a century-old well with clear water that has never run dry and is exceptionally sweet, which used to be an important source of drinking water for local residents. During the Dragon Boat Festival, villagers rush to fetch "noon water." It is believed that noon water can cure numerous ailments, and it is said that the water drawn from this ancient well in front of Longtian Temple can be stored for a long time without spoiling. Many people use it for making tea, healing, cleansing, and even drawing talismans. When Longtian Temple was rebuilt, this ancient well was the focal point, and a dragon-shaped fountain was even sculpted above it, representing the local dragon vein. If visitors go there during the Dragon Boat Festival, they can see villagers gathering around the dragon head statue, eagerly fetching noon water, creating a remarkable sight. (Source: Cultural Resources Geographic Information System)
