Longtian Temple Introduction
According to legend, Lord Lei is the celestial deity of the Nine Heavens' Thunder Department. During the Qing Dynasty's Qianlong period, he was summoned to save people in the mortal world, and in the 36th year of the Republic of China (1947), he was again dispatched by the Jade Emperor of the Nine Heavens, descending to Taiwan's Dalin to help the masses. In the 71st year of the Republic of China (1982), the Longtian Temple was in dire need of repair due to age and the increasing number of visitors. Local residents took the initiative to rebuild it, and on November 10 of that year, groundbreaking took place at the auspicious hour. It took three years and two months to complete the renovations. The newly renovated Longtian Temple is magnificent and radiant, with golden walls shining brightly. The ceremony for the placement of the deity was held on the third day of the eleventh month in the 75th year of the Republic of China (1986). The residents of Yihe in Dalin Town have long believed that Lord Lei can bless villagers with health and bountiful harvests. Every year on the 14th day of the eighth lunar month, which marks the birthday of Lord Lei and the anniversary of the White Crane Boy, Longtian Temple hosts celebrations, where villagers prepare offerings and gather at the temple to worship. A stage is also set up in front of the temple, creating a lively and festive atmosphere, a rare event in the tranquil countryside. In front of Longtian Temple, there is a century-old well with clear water that has never run dry and is incredibly sweet. It was once an important source of drinking water for local residents. Every year during the Dragon Boat Festival, villagers eagerly draw "noon water" from the well. It is believed that noon water can cure various ailments, and it is said that the noon water drawn from this ancient well in front of Longtian Temple can be stored for a long time without spoilage. Many people use it for making tea, treating illnesses, cleansing, purifying homes, and drawing talismans. When the Longtian Temple was rebuilt, this ancient well was central to the construction, and a dragon-shaped fountain was sculpted above it, representing the local dragon vein. Visitors who come during the Dragon Boat Festival can witness villagers gathering around the dragon head statue, eagerly drawing noon water, creating a spectacular sight. (Source: Cultural Resources Geographic Information System)
