Beiyue Temple Introduction
Beiyue Temple is located at the foot of Wuhu Mountain in the northeastern corner of Kinmen. It is said to have been established during the Southern Song Dynasty. During the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, pirates landed and destroyed the Minzhai in Shanxi, which affected Beiyue Temple. After being repaired, it was later destroyed by a strong wind in the late Qing Dynasty. In the 68th year of the Republic of China, with the support of the local residents of Shanxi and overseas Chinese, advocates initiated its reconstruction, and it was completed in the 73rd year, taking on its current appearance. The temple enshrines Beiyue Kings and God of Punishment. Among the temples on the island, Beiyue Temple is considered one of the larger ones. The couplets include: Main entrance couplet: "With the mountain stabilizing the northern region, all lands are peaceful under its protection; With the authority ensuring the welfare of all people, fortune and blessings can be attained." Inner couplet at the Chih Tiger window (side): "With the mountain safeguarding the north, it connects to the purple extremes; By valuing the water virtues, it provides blessings to the populace." Outer couplet at the Chih Tiger window (side): "With the imperial virtues towering, it venerates the northern mountains; The divine spirits prominently protect Shanxi." Column couplet 1: "With the sea dragons swirling to calm the demonic atmosphere, it clears the northern skies; With the phoenix peaks gathering clouds, it reveals the precious appearance to bless Wudao." Column couplet 2: "The renowned national assistance resonates among the people and communicates with the purple extremes; With the illustrious virtues of King Ming, the divine powers guard the mysterious gates." Column couplet 3: "Protecting the nation and aiding the people, the achievements of benevolence last through the ages; Driving away evil and guarding the path, the illustrious virtues of the king are respected for a hundred generations." Column couplet 4: "With the majestic mountain standing tall through the ages, we revere the imperial virtues; With King Ming's glory, thousands of people sing praises and enjoy divine grace." Column couplet 5: "With benevolence and prosperity for the people like sweet rain falling, blessings descend; With King Ming's salvation, grace is extended, and both virtue and divine power are revered." In the first-floor niche couplet: "With the stately mountain ever-present, the illuminating King seems to be within; By holding profound secrets to engage in transformation, the great assistance of prosperity is notably displayed."
