Beichen Temple Introduction
Xuantu Emperor, commonly known as "Shangdi Gong," is also referred to as "Beiji Xuantu Emperor" or "Emperor Xuanwu." Since ancient times, China has regarded the "Four Symbols" as "East Azure Dragon, West White Tiger, South Vermilion Bird, and North Xuanwu." Additionally, because Taiwan is situated in the Northern Hemisphere and its inhabitants traditionally face south, directions are often referred to in terms of left, right, front, and back instead of east, west, south, and north. The Xuantu Emperor corresponds to the North Star, thus most temples are constructed on the northern side of towns and cities. The temple in Beizhen that worships Shangdi Gong is the guardian of the Houpu North Gate area, having undergone renovations in 1984 (Republic of China Year 73) and rebuilt in 2000 (Republic of China Year 89) to its current appearance. Couplets: Main Gate Couplets: "Pavilion opens to Mount Taiwu's thousand green peaks; Altar rests against the Pleiades constellation." Left Gate Couplets: "Tracing from Wudang, Wu Zhou is famed; Guardian of the North, Haishi town's true heritage." Right Gate Couplets: "Divine intent opens the universe, promoting Emperor's virtue; Achievements nurture and protect the hometown." Front Hall Pillar Couplets: "Water virtue's profound source flows through the burning sea; Divine might shines brightly in the southern sky." Left Hall Pillar Couplets: "Position stabilizes the northern desolate, evil spirits retreat; Divine abilities and water nature govern all rivers and paths with compassion." Right Hall Pillar Couplets: "Might stabilizes the land, sacred foundation benefits the people and grants ranks; Authority revered by the Northern Pole, only true virtue resides in respect." Inner Hall Pillar Couplets: "Sword strikes wind and thunder, stirring heaven and earth; Flags wave over mountains and seas, revered by gods and spirits." Inner Hall Pillar Couplets: "Through thirty-six refinements achieved moral virtue; Seven dozen transformations subduing turtles and snakes." Shrine Pillar Couplets: "Virtue matches the celestial axis, illuminating the emperor's seat; Square symbol and Kan hexagram protect the people's dwelling."
