Beichen Temple Introduction
Xuantian Shangdi, commonly known as "Shangdi Gong", is also referred to as "Beijing Xuantian Shangdi" or "Xuanwu Emperor". Since ancient times, China has regarded the "Four Symbols" as the combination of the "East Qinglong, West Baihu, South Zhuque, and North Xuanwu". As Taiwan is located in the Northern Hemisphere and typically faces south, the directions are usually referred to using left, right, front, and back instead of east, west, south, and north. Xuantian Shangdi is associated with the North Star, hence temples are generally built on the northern side of urban areas. The temple in Beizhen dedicated to Shangdi Gong serves as the local deity of the Houpu Beimen area and was renovated in 1984 and rebuilt to its current form in 2000. The couplets read: Main door couplet: "The screen opens to the verdant peaks of Taiwu; the seat leans against the constellation surrounding." Left door couplet: "Tracing Wudang, Wuzhou is renowned; guarding the northern boundary, the true teachings spread." Right door couplet: "Divine intent opens the universe, spreading the virtue of the Emperor; meritorious achievements guard the homeland." Front hall column couplet: "Water virtue flows from the depths into the fiery sea; divine might shines brilliantly over the southern sky." Left hall column couplet: "Positioned at the north, suppressing the sinister; the divine power of water transcends, enveloping with grace." Right hall column couplet: "Mighty in the Kan direction, the sage's grace benefits the people and bestows honors; revered in the North, the Emperor resides with true virtue." Inner hall column couplet: "Sword strikes wind and thunder, shaking heaven and earth; flags wave through the seas and mountains, revered by spirits." Inner hall column couplet: "With thirty-six practices, one attains virtue; gaining seventy-two transformations, subduing turtles and snakes." Shrine column couplet: "Virtue aligns with the celestial axis in the divine throne; the hexagram of Kan protects the dwellings of the people."
