aeeble

Tainan is the origin of Taiwan, and the orthodox Lukou Mazu Temple was built in the 16th century to enshrine Lukou Mazu. It is the only Mazu temple in Taiwan that enshrines the Lukou Mazu's statue with over 800 years of history and has the largest architectural area. The current temple is divided into five main halls: Wanguo Hall, Mazu Hall, Fo Zu Hall, Dashi Hall, and Tian Gong Hall, which are built in a northern-style palace architecture similar to the Forbidden City. Every year, from the first day of the Lunar New Year, the temple hosts a series of New Year's festivities, including a lantern festival with fireworks, firecrackers, and a parade. The activities of Lukou Mazu are not limited to these; on the 23rd day of the third lunar month, Lukou Mazu's birthday celebration includes donating white rice to alleviate poverty and offering free food made from mullet roe. Every 3 years on the丑, 辰, 未, 戌 years, a grand ritual is held. In addition, the temple has a variety of facilities, including a museum, a cultural and creative center, and a guest house, which integrate culture, tourism, food, leisure, and charity, making the Lukou Mazu Temple the most renowned tourist attraction in Tainan. The Lukou Mazu Temple's historical overview dates back to 1661 when Lukou Mazu helped Zheng Chenggong's army by raising the tide to facilitate their landing in Taiwan and defeating the Dutch. In 1662, the Dutch surrendered, and Zheng Wang rebuilt the temple to thank Lukou Mazu and added more deities. Lukou Island gradually became the gateway to Taiwan and a significant military and commercial center, with Lukou Mazu's status becoming increasingly prominent. In 1831, the temple was destroyed by a flood, and the deities were temporarily relocated to the Sanjiao Hai An Gong temple. In 1918, the temple was rebuilt and renamed Bao An Gong. It wasn't until 1960 that it was renamed Lukou Mazu Temple. In 1981, after several renovations and reconstructions, the current temple was completed under the blessing of Mazu. In 1661 ( Ming Yongli 15th year), Lukou Mazu helped Zheng Chenggong's army with her divine powers, allowing them to successfully land in Taiwan. In 1662, Zheng Wang rebuilt the temple to express gratitude to Lukou Mazu. In 1831 ( Daoguang 11th year), the temple was destroyed by floods. In 1918 ( Japanese era, 7th year of Taisho), the temple was rebuilt. In 1913 ( Japanese era, 2nd year of Taisho), a ship carrying the Five Kings from Fumei Gong in Quanzhou drifted to the coast of Tainan and was welcomed by locals. In 1916 ( Japanese era, 5th year of Taisho), Lukou Mazu's statues were brought back to Tainan.