Hsing Tian Kong: Experience Faith, Serenity, and Culture

Hsing Tian Kong was founded in 1949 by coal merchant Huang Cong (Master Xuan Kong). Its original location was on Jiutai Street, Taipei (near the intersection of present-day Linsen North Road and Minquan East Road), initially named "Qing Shan Tang." In the 1960s, due to the original site being repurposed for a junior high school, it was expanded and completed at its current location in 1968 after an exchange of public land with the Taipei City Government. As the number of devotees increased, Huang Cong established branch temples in Sanxia and Beitou, forming the "Hsing Tian Three Temples" system, which is an important testament to the development of religion in Taiwan. Hsing Tian Kong is dedicated to Guan Sheng Di Jun, also known as Guan Gong, a famous general of the Shu Han dynasty during the Three Kingdoms period. Guan Gong is known for his loyalty and righteousness and is revered as the God of War and the patron saint of commerce. Hsing Tian Kong also enshrines deities such as Lü Dongbin, Zhang Dan, Wang Shan, and Yue Fei, collectively known as the "Five Enzhus." The construction of Hsing Tian Kong was to promote the spirit of loyalty and righteousness of Guan Sheng Di Jun and to provide a place for people to pray and cultivate themselves.

The architectural style is solemn and serene, adopting the traditional Minnan swallowtail ridge temple architecture, built with reinforced concrete. The red walls are paired with gray slate floors, and the exterior still retains the traditional temple style. The roof of the temple adopts a double-eave design, and the ridge has exquisite cut-and-paste decorations with vibrant colors. The beams and pillars of the temple have many exquisite wood carvings and stone carvings, depicting mythological stories and historical figures. The overall decoration is simple and unadorned, emphasizing religious spirit and cultural heritage. Although modern building materials are used, it exhibits an elegant, dignified, loyal, and righteous atmosphere, full of artistic value.

The layout of Hsing Tian Kong is a three-section style, consisting of the front hall, the main hall, and the rear hall. The front hall is the entrance to the temple, and there is a "Mirror of Conscience" near the entrance, symbolizing the cleansing of the soul here. The main hall is where Guan Sheng Di Jun is enshrined. There are a total of 108 bright yellow door nails on the two door panels of the front hall, symbolizing the 108 deities of Tiangang Disha. The rear hall enshrines other deities. The courtyard of the temple is spacious, and the environment is quiet and peaceful. The biggest feature is that there are no incense burners or offering tables in the temple. Only fresh flowers and clear tea are offered on the main deity table. Incense is not provided. People only worship with their hands clasped together or bowing, embodying its simplicity and environmental protection concept.

When entering the temple, you must take off your hat to show respect to the deities. Clothing should be neat and appropriate, avoiding overly revealing attire. Do not point at the statues of deities or touch them or the religious instruments at will. In addition, keep quiet in the temple and avoid making noise.

The main activities in the temple include a soul-soothing service, which can help devotees calm their minds. There are also ritual services for praying for blessings and eliminating disasters (such as worshiping stars, worshiping Yuan Chen, worshiping Guan Xian, and covering souls). Every year, birthday ceremonies are held for Shangyuan Tianguan, Enzhugong, and Doumu Yuanjun. Prayer ceremonies and cultural lectures are also held, and devotees can participate.

Hsing Tian Kong is not only a center of religious belief but also an important cultural landmark in Taipei, integrating modern spirit, environmental protection concepts, and cultural inheritance. It is also a place where many people seek peace of mind and ask for guidance. When you come to Taipei, be sure to take the time to visit Hsing Tian Kong, feel the religious atmosphere and solemn atmosphere of Taiwan, and experience the religious culture of Taiwan.

『Hsing Tian Kong』

Address: No. 109, Section 2, Minquan East Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City

Opening hours: Daily from 04:00 to 21:00 (Special holidays or Dharma services are subject to official announcements)

Transportation: Take the Zhonghe-Xinlu Line (Orange Line) to "Hsing Tian Kong Station", take Exit 3 and turn right, and walk for about 3 minutes to reach.