Longtian Temple Introduction
Legend has it that the God of Thunder, known as Leifushan Qiansui, is a celestial deity from the Nine Heavens Thunder Department. During the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, he was commanded to save people on earth, and in 1947, upon the orders of the Jade Emperor of the Nine Heavens, he descended to Taiwan's Dalin to provide assistance and salvation to all beings. In 1982, due to years of neglect and an increasing number of visitors, the local residents of Dalin Town's Yihe Village initiated the reconstruction of the Longtian Temple. On November 10 of that year, ground was broken at the auspicious hour, and the project took three years and two months to complete. The newly renovated Longtian Temple is magnificent and splendid, with its golden walls shining brightly. The dedication ceremony was held on the third day of the eleventh month in 1986. Residents of Yihe Village have long believed that Leifushan Qiansui can bless them with health and bountiful harvests. Every year on the 14th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, which celebrates the birthday of Leifushan Qiansui and the anniversary of the White Crane Boy, the Longtian Temple holds a grand celebration. Villagers prepare offerings and gather to worship at the temple. A temporary stage for traditional performances is also set up. With the clang of drums and gongs, it is a rare and lively event in the peaceful countryside. In front of Longtian Temple, there is also a hundred-year-old well with crystal-clear water that has never run dry and is remarkably sweet, having been an important source of drinking water for local residents. During the Dragon Boat Festival, villagers compete to draw the "noon water." Locals believe that noon water can cure countless ailments, and it is said that water drawn from this ancient well in front of Longtian Temple can be stored for a long time without spoiling. Many use it for tea, healing, cleansing, and writing talismans. When Longtian Temple was rebuilt, this well was the focal point, and a dragon-shaped fountain was even sculpted above it to symbolize the local energy. Visitors who go there during the Dragon Boat Festival can witness villagers gathering in front of the dragon head statue, eagerly drawing noon water, creating a spectacular scene. (Source: Cultural Resource Geographic Information System)
