Baohu Palace Tianditang Dizimu Temple

Baohu Palace Tianditang Dizimu Temple is located in Puli Township, Nantou County. It is a renowned and historically significant Dizimu Temple in Taiwan, serving as an important center of faith for the revered Taoist deity Dizimu across the entire island. Dizimu Niangniang (Earth Mother Goddess), also known as Houtu Niangniang (Empress of the Earth), is one of the 'Four Imperial Sovereigns' in Taoism. She presides over yin and yang, creation and fertility, as well as the mountains and rivers of the earth, symbolizing the loving care and blessings of Mother Earth. The architecture of Baohu Palace Tianditang Dizimu Temple is grand and imposing. Built into the mountain and facing Jinying Mountain, its surroundings are serene and tranquil. In front of the temple courtyard, there is a Bagua Nine-Dragon Pond, serving both feng shui and aesthetic purposes. Besides the main hall, the temple has also added halls dedicated to Qianyuan, Taiyang (Sun), Taiyin (Moon), and Shennong, among others. These are adorned with carved beams and painted pillars, exuding extraordinary grandeur. During the 921 Earthquake in 1999, the temple's main structure proved robust, with only some halls sustaining damage due to foundation issues. Following extensive repair and reconstruction, strongly supported by benevolent individuals, including renowned entrepreneur Stan Shih, the temple regained its magnificent appearance. Baohu Palace Tianditang is not only a center of religious faith but also actively promotes public welfare and charitable endeavors, including donating land for road construction, emergency relief, disaster aid, and scholarships. It is deeply respected by local residents. Every year on the 18th day of the tenth lunar month, during Dizimu's birthday celebration, pilgrims flock to the temple in an endless stream, and the temple fair is grand, making it an important religious and cultural event in Puli.