Beichen Temple Introduction
The Xuantian Emperor, commonly known as "Shangdi Gong," is also referred to as "Beiji Xuantian Emperor" or "Emperor Xuanyuan." Since ancient times, China has associated the "Four Symbols" with "East Blue Dragon, West White Tiger, South Vermilion Bird, and North Xuanwu." Due to Taiwan's location in the Northern Hemisphere, where people tend to face south, the directions are often replaced with left, right, front, and back instead of east, west, south, and north. The Xuantian Emperor corresponds to the North Star, which is why temples are generally built on the northern side of towns and cities. The Beizhen Temple, which enshrines Shangdi Gong, serves as the guardian of the Houpu North Gate area. It underwent renovations in the 73rd year of the Republic (1984) and was rebuilt in the 89th year of the Republic (2000) to take on its present form. Couplets: Main Gate Couplets: "Screen opens to the green peaks of Taiwu; Seats lean against the constellation of Gouchen." Left Gate Couplets: "Tracing Wudang, Wuzhou is dubbed the first; Guarding the North, the coastal city imparts true teachings." Right Gate Couplets: "Divine will opens up the universe, propelling the virtues of the Emperor; Meritorious deeds secure the golden gates, protecting the hometown." Front Hall Column Couplets: "Water virtue's source flows into the fiery sea; Divine power is illustrious, illuminating the southern sky." Left Hall Column Couplets: "Positioned to guard the northern frontier, dispelling all malevolent spirits; Divine insight and water capabilities embrace the rivers and ditches completely." Right Hall Column Couplets: "Mighty power guards the Kan area, blessed to benefit the people and confer ranks; Authority reveres the polar emperor, residing in respect for true virtue." Inner Hall Column Couplets: "Sword strikes the wind and thunder, shaking heaven and earth; Banners flutter on seas and mountains, commanding the respect of gods and spirits." Inner Hall Column Couplets: "With thirty-six cultivations, one achieves virtue; With seventy-two transformations, one can subjugate turtle and serpent." Cenotaph Column Couplets: "Virtue aligns with the celestial pivot, illuminating the Emperor's throne; The symbol of the Kan hexagram shelters the dwellings of the people."
