Lukang Nanjin Temple

Nanjin Temple: According to the "Records of Changhua County," Nanjin Temple was founded in the 37th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign (1772 AD). It was built by merchants and residents from Nanjin, Zhangzhou Prefecture, Fujian. Located to the right of Wangye Temple, its main deity is Guan Sheng Di Jun (Emperor Guan). (A stele is preserved at Nanjin Temple.) Nanjin merchants brought the statue of Guan Sheng Di Jun from their ancestral temple to Taiwan and initially established the temple at the waterfront of Lukang (its current location, where boats and rafts used to dock). It originally served as a religious center exclusively for immigrants from Zhangzhou to Taiwan. After the Zhangzhou people moved further inland for development, it has now become a common Guandi Temple for all people, regardless of ethnic group. Nanjin Temple primarily worships Guan Sheng Di Jun (reverently referred to as "Fumo Dadi" or "Demon-Subduing Emperor" by this temple). Prince Guan Ping and General Zhou Cang are enshrined as the left and right great protectors. It also enshrines Wenkui Xingjun (Star Lord of Literary Excellence), Marshal Xie, Lord Ma, the Red Hare horse (capable of traveling a thousand li a day), the 81-jin (approximately 48.6 kg) divine Green Dragon Crescent Blade, and various military officers. Guan Sheng Di Jun's given name was Yu, his courtesy name was Yunchang (originally Changsheng), and he was from Xieliang Prefecture, Hedong, during the Three Kingdoms period. His deeds of "loyalty, filial piety, integrity, and righteousness," demonstrated through his sworn brotherhood with Liu Bei and Zhang Fei in the Peach Garden, are admired for generations. Guan Sheng Di Jun is one of the Five Wenchang Deities, and Confucianism honors him as Wenheng Shengdi (Holy Emperor of Literature and Balance). Historical records state: "One person from Shandong authored the Spring and Autumn Annals (referring to Confucius); one person from Shanxi read the Spring and Autumn Annals (referring to Emperor Guan)." Hence, he is known as "Lord Guan" and "Lord of Shanxi." He is revered as a "Second Sage" or "Lesser Sage" and "Lesser Worthy." Coupled with his exceptional martial arts skills, noble integrity, and proficiency in both literary and martial arts, scholars venerate him as a deity of culture and education, and a protector of students.