Quanzhou: The Shining Pearl of Mazu Belief—Tianhou Temple

Quanzhou, this ancient city, seems to be gently favored by the gods, its rich religious culture like the stars in the ancient city, dazzling and brilliant. Among them, Tianhou Temple is the shining pearl of Mazu belief on this land. In the Minnan region, there are many Tianhou Temples, all of which are testimonies to the devout belief in the sea goddess Mazu. However, Quanzhou's Tianhou Temple stands out with its large scale and grand momentum, making it the leader among Mazu temples nationwide. Tianhou Temple, originally named Tianfei Temple, has undergone changes in its name over history. During the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, after General Shi Lang successfully recovered Taiwan, he petitioned the court to confer the title of Tianhou on Mazu. Since then, Quanzhou's Tianfei Temple was renamed Tianhou Temple, becoming an important holy site for Mazu belief. Entering Tianhou Temple, the first thing that catches the eye is the imposing mountain gate. This gate, in the form of a paifang, has four dragon-entwined columns on either side, with lifelike qilin, and the dragon and phoenix reliefs on the roof are exquisite, all showcasing the magnificence and majesty of Tianhou Temple. The main hall's roof is a nine-ridge double-eaved hip-and-gable roof, with both ends curving upwards like bird wings ready to fly, giving a sense of soaring. Opposite the main hall is a unique stage. The wooden structure with dougong brackets, painted and decorated, is full of rich Minnan style, making people stop and admire. As the core building of Tianhou Temple, the Tianhou Hall's wooden structure with double-eaved hip-and-gable roof design, along with dragon and phoenix and various painted decorations, all highlight Mazu's noble status. Walking through it, one can feel the Mazu belief permeating every corner, and a sense of piety and reverence arises spontaneously. Even those without Mazu belief will be influenced by the atmosphere here. Tianhou Temple is not just a temple, but a witness to history and a cultural heritage. It allows us to feel the faith and emotions of the people of Quanzhou and makes us cherish this precious cultural heritage even more.