Xiahai City God TemplePost date：2011-08-04
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Constructed on Dihua Street in 1856, the Xia-Hai City God Temple occupies about 150 square meters. Although this temple doesn’t have a majestic façade, it nevertheless attracts many believers. Every year, on the day of greeting the City God, which is on the 13th day of the 5th lunar month, not only the temple is bustling with visitors but it is also the scene of major local activities. Furthermore, the temple is closely connected to the local development of Dadaocheng.
The City God Temple is chiefly dedicated to the Xia-hai City God, Congsiwen, the Martial 2nd Judge, and the Xiefan 2nd General, as well as the 38 Yi-Yong-Gong (the Brave Guards), the Wife of City God, Eight Presiding Officials, Eight Generals, Mashiye, and the Matchmaking God. This old temple held over 600 divine images prior to 1994, but today contains only around 200.
Apart from the City God, the Xia-hai City God Temple’s biggest attraction is the Matchmaking God, and more than 6,000 people bring decorated cakes to thank this deity every year. Many people seek "husband-managing shoes"—also known as "happiness shoes" at the temple; these shoes are one of Taipei’s famous "guardians of love."
One popular tale involving the City God Temple took place during the war between China and France in 1884. At that time, after French troops had attacked Taiwan, the people of Taipei prayed for the City God’s protection. The French only succeeded in reaching Wudu before being repelled, and never got to attack Taipei. As a result, the people of the city acclaimed the Xia-Hai City God a divinely efficacious lord.
If you are interested in traditional Minnan-style temple architecture, old artifacts, or paying your respects to the Matchmaking God, you can pay a visit to the Xia-Hai City God Temple!
The City God Temple is chiefly dedicated to the Xia-hai City God, Congsiwen, the Martial 2nd Judge, and the Xiefan 2nd General, as well as the 38 Yi-Yong-Gong (the Brave Guards), the Wife of City God, Eight Presiding Officials, Eight Generals, Mashiye, and the Matchmaking God. This old temple held over 600 divine images prior to 1994, but today contains only around 200.
Apart from the City God, the Xia-hai City God Temple’s biggest attraction is the Matchmaking God, and more than 6,000 people bring decorated cakes to thank this deity every year. Many people seek "husband-managing shoes"—also known as "happiness shoes" at the temple; these shoes are one of Taipei’s famous "guardians of love."
One popular tale involving the City God Temple took place during the war between China and France in 1884. At that time, after French troops had attacked Taiwan, the people of Taipei prayed for the City God’s protection. The French only succeeded in reaching Wudu before being repelled, and never got to attack Taipei. As a result, the people of the city acclaimed the Xia-Hai City God a divinely efficacious lord.
If you are interested in traditional Minnan-style temple architecture, old artifacts, or paying your respects to the Matchmaking God, you can pay a visit to the Xia-Hai City God Temple!
