Longtian Temple Introduction
According to legend, Lord Lei is the deity of the Nine Heavens Thunder Department. During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, he was commanded to save people on earth. In the 36th year of the Republic of China (1947), he was once again sent by the Jade Emperor of the Nine Heavens to descend upon Taiwan to save the world and help all beings. In the 71st year of the Republic of China (1982), the Longtian Temple underwent reconstruction due to long-term disrepair and increasing crowds. Local residents began the reconstruction, which officially started on November 10th in the same year. It took three years and two months to complete. The newly renovated Longtian Temple is magnificent and dazzling, and the ritual of securing the deity's seat was held at 3 a.m. on the third day of the 11th month of the 75th year of the Republic of China (1986). The residents of Yi He Li in Dalin Township have long believed that Lord Lei can bless the villagers with good health and abundant crops. Every year, during the lunar calendar’s 14th day of the 8th month, both the birthday of Lord Lei and the anniversary of the White Crane Boy, the Longtian Temple holds a celebration where villagers prepare offerings and gather to worship at the temple. A stage for traditional opera is also set up in front of the temple. With drums and gongs echoing, it is a rare event in this tranquil countryside. In front of the Longtian Temple, there is an ancient well that is over a hundred years old. The water from this well is clear, never runs dry, and is extremely sweet, having once served as an important drinking water source for local residents. During the Dragon Boat Festival, villagers rush to draw "noon water." It is believed that this noon water can cure a hundred diseases, and it is said that the water drawn from this ancient well can be stored for a long time without spoiling. Many people use it for making tea, healing, washing, purifying homes, and drawing talismans, among other things. When the Longtian Temple was rebuilt, this ancient well was the center of the construction, even featuring a dragon-shaped fountain above it, representing the local dragon vein. Visitors who go during the Dragon Boat Festival can see villagers gathering in front of the dragon head statue, eagerly drawing the noon water, creating a spectacular sight. (Source: Cultural Resources Geographic Information System)
