Explore the legendary story of the largest Mazu temple in Southeast Asia: Nansha Tianhou Temple
Speaking of Nansha Tianhou Temple, this is a topic that is both serious and yearning.
Seriously, it has gone through vicissitudes and has been destroyed several times; Happily, it is now magnificent and has become a center of faith.
Let's take a look at the legendary story of this "first house of the queen of heaven in the world"!
Nansha Tianhou Temple: The twists and turns of historical evolution
The history of Nansha Tianhou Temple can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty, when it was still called Tianfei Temple.
During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, it was renamed Yuanjun Ancient Temple after reconstruction.
The good times didn't last long, and it was blown up during the Anti-Japanese War. It's a little distressing.
But fortunately, at the end of the last century, Mr. Fok Yingdong generously rebuilt this temple, which led to the Nansha Tianhou Temple we see today.
Is this a happy turn of events?
Mazu Faith: A Legendary Journey from Fujian to Southeast Asia
Mazu belief is a remarkable cultural phenomenon.
It originated in Fujian, China, and the earliest Mazu temple was built in 987 AD.
Think about it, how did an ordinary fisherwoman become the guardian saint of the sea?
The prototype of Mazu, that Lin Mo girl was born extraordinary. She is smart, kind-hearted, and has a good memory that she will never forget, and she is simply a little genius. Growing up by the sea, she has a special affection for the sea, and can predict the changes in the sea, which was rare at the time, just like the old saying, "sailors are afraid of the dark, fishermen are afraid of the wind", but Lin Mo can help the villagers avoid danger, who doesn't admire this ability?
During the Song Dynasty, maritime trade was very popular, ships came and went, and Lin Mo's reputation spread farther and farther with the sea breeze.
In 987 A.D., the first Mazu temple was built on Meizhou Island, which was the starting point of Mazu faith.
Later, as maritime activities became more and more frequent, Mazu's influence also grew, like a snowball, rolling bigger and bigger.
The emperors of the past dynasties also favored Mazu, and the titles were one after another, and the "concubine" and "queen of heaven" were domineering when they heard it.
The belief in Mazu is like a wing, and it has spread to all parts of the world as the footsteps of the navigators have flown over thousands of mountains and rivers.
From Southeast Asia to the Americas, from Africa to Europe, as long as there are places where Chinese people gather, the incense of Mazu is very strong.
With the frequent maritime activities, the Mazu faith gradually spread.
In particular, Zheng He's voyage to the West brought the Mazu faith to Southeast Asia.
Overseas Chinese emigrated to Southeast Asia and brought the Mazu faith with them.
The spread of this faith is simply a cultural feast!
Mr. Fok Ying-tung: The guardian of the Nansha Tianhou Temple
Speaking of Nansha Tianhou Temple, we can't fail to mention Mr. Huo Yingdong.
This vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and a well-known industrialist has a deep affection for the Tianhou Temple in Nansha. In 1994, he initiated and donated funds to rebuild the Nansha Tianhou Temple.
This is not only the love of the hometown, but also the importance of Mazu culture.
In 1996, the inauguration ceremony of Tianhou Temple was really grand!
Since then, the Nansha region has not been hit head-on by a strong typhoon.
Do you think this is the protection of the queen of heaven?
Cultural Activities and Religious Celebrations: The liveliness and solemnity of Mazu
The cultural activities and religious celebrations of the Tianhou Temple in Nansha are really lively.
Every year, the Mazu Cultural Tourism Festival attracts a large number of tourists and devotees.
This is not only a cultural event, but also promotes cultural exchanges between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. The Mazu temple fair is also a highlight, and you can experience the lively atmosphere of the Mazu celebration for yourself.
There is also the ship parade that reflects people's reverence for Mazu and the psychology of praying for peace.
These activities not only show the cultural heritage of Nansha Tianhou Temple, but also promote the development of the local economy.
Natural Landscape and Ecological Environment: The Green Treasure of Tianhou Temple
The natural landscape and ecological environment around the Tianhou Temple in Nansha are really beautiful.
The subtropical monsoon climate, the blue sea and blue sky, and the beautiful silver beach are simply a natural oxygen!
When it comes to the plant species of Tianhou Temple, it is really a green grand view garden!
More than 300 species of higher plants, you think, how spectacular is that?
There are a lot of treasures hidden in it, such as the sea mulberry, paulownia flower, autumn eggplant, and wood olive in the mangrove family, which are frequent visitors to the seaside, they are not afraid of salt and alkali and have tenacious vitality, just like the guardians of the seaside.
Not to be outdone, semi-mangrove plants, such as the red black tree, mille-feuille, and American locust, have found their way between land and sea, like a palette of nature that adds rich color to the coastline.
And the hibiscus, when the flowers bloom, it is like a small umbrella, dotted among the green leaves, so beautiful that people can't take their eyes off it.
The most memorable thing is the fallen feather cedars, standing in rows along both sides of Tin Hau Road, like a team of loyal guards guarding this land.
They change their outfits in the four seasons, the tender green of spring, the richness of summer, the golden yellow of autumn, and the calmness of winter, each season has a different style.
The ecological environment around the Tianhou Temple is not to be said, the grass and trees are luxuriant, the flowers are vibrant, and the willows by the pond are gently swaying, just like the scenery in the painting.
Such an environment is not only a paradise for plants, but also a paradise for tourists.
When you walk in such a place, your mood will brighten, and all your worries and things will be thrown out of the clouds.
Let's talk about greening activities, the managers of Tianhou Temple are really well-intentioned.
They are well versed in the truth that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets", afforestation has become the norm in recent years, saplings are planted, patches of green space are spread, and the appearance of the scenic spot is rising gradually.
This is not only for the aesthetics, but also to make the land healthier and make every breath of air fresh for visitors to breathe here.
Tianhou Temple is not only a place to worship Mazu, it is also a large classroom of ecological education, teaching us how to live in harmony with nature and how to cherish this green wealth.
Having said all this, are you also interested in Nansha Tianhou Temple?
This temple not only has a long history and rich cultural connotation, but also has a beautiful natural landscape and ecological environment.
In any case, Nansha Tianhou Temple is worth your visit!