Datianhou Palace Prince Ningjing's Mansion

introduce

Datianhou Temple, commonly known as Tainan Mazu Temple, was built in the 23rd year of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (AD 1684). It was originally the residence of King Ningjing of the Ming Dynasty. Tianhou Temple has undergone several renovations and is listed as a historic site in Taiwan.

Tin Hau, or Mazu, is a god worshiped by boatmen, sailors, tourists, businessmen and fishermen of all ages. Taiwan's Mazu culture is particularly strong, which is related to the coastal fishermen's culture. Before the ship sets sail, it is necessary to offer sacrifices to the Queen of Heaven, pray for good wind and safety, and set up a god of the Queen of Heaven on the ship to worship.

Among the nearly 400 Mazu temples in Taiwan, Datianhou Temple is the only Mazu temple that is included in the official Spring and Autumn Festival. The statues and sculptures in the temple are all made by famous craftsmen. The precious and rich ancient plaques and ancient couplets are rare in temples in Taiwan.

Datianhou Palace can be divided into four parts, Sanchuan Hall, Worship Hall, Main Hall, and Back Hall, which are called "four entrances". In front of the main hall, there is a stone wall carved with flying dragons, riding waves and soaring clouds. It is quite imposing, which is rare in other temples, and fully shows the style of imperial architecture.

When you come to the main gate, the first thing you see is a pair of stone lions in front of the gate, which are exquisitely carved and unique in shape. The entrance gate is high and majestic, without the painted door gods of traditional temples, but with many protruding wooden milk nails, and on both sides are eight horses and dragon and tiger pictures carved from granite, which are majestic and rough.

Looking in from the gate of the main hall, you can see the full-body statue of Mazu shrouded in cigarettes and under the golden curtain through the gradually rising patio and the narrow and long space of the house. Mazu has kind eyebrows, kind eyes and serene demeanor. It is said that Mazu used to have pink noodles, but after a hundred years of incense, the Mazu you see now has become a black "cigarette noodles". This statue was made by a Quanzhou master about 300 years ago, and it can be said to be one of the representative clay sculptures in Taiwan. The shrines on both sides of the statue of Mazu also enshrine the Dragon Kings of the East, West, South and North Seas and King Narcissus.

In addition, another feature of the temple is that in addition to the Mazu in the main hall called Da Ma, there are also so-called "Second Ma" and "Third Ma" statues of Mazu. Open, it is different from the drooping eyelids of the statue of Mazu, so you might as well visit it if you have time.