Beizhen Temple Introduction
Xuantian Shangdi, commonly known as "Shangdi Gong" or "Beiji Xuantian Shangdi," is also referred to as the Grand Emperor of Xuanwu. Since ancient times, China has combined the "East Azure Dragon, West White Tiger, South Vermilion Bird, and North Xuanwu" as the "Four Symbols." Because Taiwan is located in the Northern Hemisphere and faces south, people habitually replace the directions of east, west, south, and north with left, right, front, and back. Xuantian Shangdi corresponds to the Polaris Star, thus temples are generally built on the northern side of towns and cities. The temple in Beizhen is dedicated to Shangdi Gong, the local deity of the Houpu Beimen area. It underwent renovations in the 73rd year of the Republic of China and was rebuilt to its current appearance in the 89th year of the Republic of China. Couplets: Front Gate Couplets: "The screen opens to Taewu's thousand peaks of green;" "The seat leans on the celestial arc." Left Gate Couplets: "Tracing Wudang, Wuzhou is the first name;" "Zhenbei area's true tradition." Right Gate Couplets: "Divine intent opens the universe, spreading the Emperor's virtue;" "Achievements construct the golden palace to protect the hometown." Front Hall Column Couplets: "The virtue of water flows deep in the flaming sea;" "Divine power shines brilliantly in the southern sky." Left Hall Column Couplets: "Positioned in the north, the evil spirits are subdued;" "Divine powers command the rivers and streams with gentle grace." Right Hall Column Couplets: "Majestic authority stabilizes the holy place, bestowing titles upon the people;" "The authority of the Northern Emperor resides in true virtue." Inner Hall Column Couplets: "Swords strike wind and thunder, shaking heaven and earth;" "Flags wave over the seas and peaks, fearing the spirits." Inner Hall Column Couplets: "By cultivating 36 virtues, one achieves moral integrity;" "With 72 transformations, one subdues the turtles and snakes." Altar Column Couplets: "Virtue harmonizes with the celestial axis, illuminating the Emperor's throne;" "The hexagram of the earth protects the people's residence."
