Baoxi Daitian Temple

Baoxi Daitian Temple was founded during the Koxinga period (1662). It primarily worships the Three Royal Lords (Zhu-fu Qiansui, Chi-fu Qiansui, and Li-fu Qiansui), also known as the 'Three Elders'. Its original name was 'Daren Temple' and was only renamed 'Daitian Temple' after World War II. Due to its early founding, it is known as one of the 'Three Great Ancient Daitian Temples of Nanying' along with Nankunshen Daitian Temple and Jiali Jintang Temple. Due to its geographical location, it is also referred to as one of the 'Three Great Temples Outside the East Gate of Taiwan Prefectural City,' together with Guiren Renshou Temple and Guanmiao Shanxi Temple. In recent years, the 'Wangjiao and Procession of the Three Great Temples of Nanguan Line' (a ritual involving the three temples) has become an important national folk custom, highlighting the friendly relations between the temples along the route. The Baoxi Daitian Temple's Wangjiao and Procession is held approximately once every twelve years or more, with no fixed schedule. It preserves a complete set of Wangjiao rituals, from building the boatyard, inviting the 'Zhou Can' (Note), drawing water, consecrating the Royal Vessel, erecting the signal poles (Denggao), launching the Royal Vessel, to the fire ritual (Huojiao), the installation of the Yuanmen Official, inviting the Royal Lords, presenting memorials on the stage, Pudu (universal salvation ritual), the procession, sending off the Royal Lords, and thanking the Denggao. These rituals bear witness to the history of the Nanguan Line's development. Note: 'Zhou Can' (舟參) is an ancient compound character, pronounced the same as 'Can'. It refers to the longitudinal timber at the bottom of the boat, which is the keel of the Royal Vessel.